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Nigeria’ll produce new crop of political leaders in 2023, Buhari tells new envoys

By Cross Udo
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday expressed optimism that Nigeria’s current political transition period will produce a new crop of political leaders after the general elections in the first quarter of 2023.

Buhari stated this while receiving Letters of Credence from Ambassadors and High Commissioners of six countries at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Speaking as the build-up to the 2023 general elections gathers momentum, he said, “I am highly optimistic that we will conduct a good transition process at the end of which a new set of political leaders will freely emerge.’’

Buhari told the envoys that “you are assuming your diplomatic responsibilities in Nigeria at a very interesting political period as Nigeria’s national elections are due in February 2023.

“I want to state again, as I did just a few days ago at the UN General Assembly, that we remain committed to free and fair elections”.

He assured that the participation of citizens in democracy will continue to be encouraged through freedom of speech and robust political discourse, urging respect for divergent cultures and opinions, and upholding the unity of the country.

According to him, Nigeria’s strength remains in its diversity, and the constant differences in positions further signpost a strong democratic culture.

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He said, “As you settle down to your diplomatic responsibilities, you will realise how diverse Nigeria is. We are not only multi-ethnic and religious but also multi-cultural. We enjoy unfettered freedom of speech and engage in robust political discourses. Sometimes, the nature of these discourses tends to give the impression that we are constantly opposed to each other.

“The reality is that there is so much that binds us together than the few areas of our divergence. I have no doubts in my mind that you will soon appreciate our uniqueness and indeed resilience as a people, as well as our diversity which constitutes our strength.”

Buhari urged the diplomats to build on the existing good relations that their predecessors had achieved by being more proactive in engagements.

Buhari called for more collectiveness in tackling some of the challenges faced by nations, noting that the climatic, economic, and security concerns can only be solved through shared vision, skills, and efforts.

The President said Nigeria firmly remains committed to multilateralism.

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While welcoming the Ambassadors and High Commissioners, and their families to Nigeria, President Buhari wished them a rewarding tour of duty.

Responding on behalf of the diplomats, the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Gangadharan Balasubramanian, assured President Buhari of the full support of their countries, especially as Nigeria counts down to the 2023 elections, adding that they would work with his government and the leader that emerges after elections.

Balasubramanian said all the Ambassadors and High Commissioners will work to consolidate existing good relations, while Germany will focus on climatic issues, and The Kingdom of Netherlands pursuing interests in agriculture and stimulate youths’ capacity in entrepreneurship.

The other Ambassadors and High Commissioners who presented their Letters of Credence to President Buhari are Germany-Mrs Annett Gunther, Sudan-Mr Mohamed Yousif Ibrahim Abdelmannan, Democratic Republic of Congo- Mrs Gerengbo Yakivu Pascaline, State of Palestine-Abdullah M.A. Abu Shawesh and The Kingdom of Netherlands-Mr Willem Wouter Plomp.

 

 

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