President Muhammadu Buhari has urged ambassadors in the country to be guided by diplomatic practice as the country heads into a full political campaign for the 2023 general election.
Goldennewsng reports that President Buhari also urged the international communities to limit their interference in the election by monitoring the campaigns and the conduct of the general election.
Buhari stated this while receiving Letters of Credence of Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador James Kingston Christoff and Ambassador of Mexico to Nigeria, Juan Alfred Miranda Oritz, in Abuja, on Tuesday.
President Buhari said, “As the drums of campaign begin to rise, I urge you to be guided by diplomatic practice to ensure that your activities remain within the limits of your profession as you monitor the build-up to the elections and the conduct of the general elections,” he said.
Buhari reminded the new ambassadors that the task they have taken required them to build on the successes of their predecessors.
He encouraged them to take out time to understand the uniqueness of the different ethnic and religious diversities of the country for a better appreciation.
He said: “The task before you requires you, both, to build on the successes of your predecessors and further make efforts in expansion and advancement of cordial bilateral relations and cooperation between Nigeria and your respective countries.
“These relations, as you all know, span political, socio-economic and cultural spheres that have, over time, benefitted our peoples.
“I am confident that, in carrying out your diplomatic responsibilities, in the course of your tour of duties, you will spare time to appreciate the uniqueness and strength in our country’s cultural diversities, in terms of both human and natural resources, as well as the flora and fauna across the country.”
In his remarks, on behalf of the ambassadors, the Canadian High Commissioner thanked the President for accepting the Letters.
He said: “Today marks formal beginning of our engagement with the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We will work closely with ministers and officials to start a progressive relationship.”
