Steer clear of local affairs, Buhari warns foreign missions

• Published date: 13 January 2023
• Publication title: Nigeria - The Nation

President Muhammadu Buhari has again cautioned foreign countries against meddling in Nigeria's internal affairs.

He gave the warning through their representatives yesterday while receiving Letters of Credence from Ambassadors of Switzerland, Sweden, Republic of Ireland, the Kingdom of Thailand, the Republic of Senegal and the Republic of South Sudan, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President charged the new foreign diplomats to limit their activities and concerns to their callings and the reasons for being sent to Nigeria.

He said: '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 itself.

'I wish you all success in your respective tours of duty and at the same time encourage you to take time to enjoy the unique nature and culture at your disposal as you travel across our country.'

The President also told the envoys that Nigeria was working with the Economic Community of West African Countries (ECOWAS) to deal with insecurity in the West African region as well as implementing strategies to contain the spate of unconstitutional changes in government within the region.

He called for cooperation and collaboration from the countries to overcome challenges in West Africa.

President Buhari invited friendly countries to 'support efforts to address the problem of insecurity, fight against corruption, diversification of the economy, and our efforts in promoting good governance.'

He told the ambassadors that Nigeria, no doubt, enjoys very cordial and mutually beneficial bilateral relations and cooperation with their respective countries, commending the roles of their predecessors who demonstrated diligence and commitment to advance these causes.

The President said: 'I am therefore confident that your appointments are obviously deliberate to build on the successes of your immediate predecessors in order to advance our relations to significant and enviable heights.

'As you settle down to your diplomatic responsibilities, I am hopeful that you will appreciate the political, socio-economic and cultural diversities which are the hallmarks of the Nigerian nation.

'I encourage you to build friendships and take time to fraternise across the length and breadth of...