President Muhammadu Buhari has advised foreign diplomats to steer clear of Nigeria’s politics and be guided strictly by diplomatic practices by ensuring that their activities remain within the limits of their profession.
Buhari said this when he received Letters of Credence from ambassadors of Japan, the European Union (EU), Burundi, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Cape Verde, France, Qatar; and High Commissioners of Sierra Leone and Ghana at the Presidential Villa, on Monday.
He said in the build-up to the 2023 elections, Nigeria’s politics will be “necessarily rowdy,” but is not an arena for foreign diplomats.
“The nature of our politicking often gives the impression of very rancorous engagements. It is the nature of politics here,” he said.
“Besides, democracy and related democratic activities in the build-up to elections are necessarily rowdy and very argumentative, but very much within the limits of freedom of action that the art of democracy permits.
Buhari told the newly accredited envoys that he looked forward to a more robust relationship with their home countries.
“As you settle down in the face of these developments, it is my hope that you will also be guided by diplomatic practices, to ensure that your activities remain within the limits of your profession,” he said.
