President Muhammadu Buhari has warned diplomats in Nigeria not to intrude into the internal politics of the country ahead of the 2023 general election.

Buhari told the diplomats in the country to stay within the limits of their schedules.

He gave the warning while presenting letters of credence to Ambassadors of Czech Republic, Zdenek Krejci; Italy, Stephano De Leo; Spain, Juan Ignacio Sell Sanz, and Israel, Michael Shual Freeman; at Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday.

President Buhari said: “You are assuming your diplomatic responsibilities in Nigeria at very interesting political period as Nigeria’s national elections are due in early 2023.

“As you settle down in the face of these developments, it is my hope that you will also be guided by diplomatic practice, to ensure that your activities remain within the limits of your profession as you monitor the build-up to and the conduct of the general elections next year.’’

Buhari, however, called for the support of the envoys in tackling rising global insecurity, and strengthening communality.

“We are living in unprecedented times and with so many uncertainties, especially with the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, the rise in global insecurity, and the devastation of our environments caused by climate change among other existential threats to our collective peace, progress, and shared values.

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“Different factors that accounted for these challenges go beyond the abilities of any single country to effectively contain alone. Matters of security have become the business of all the nations of the world to work closely together to build consensus in order to overcome these challenges,” he said.

While speaking on the challenges bewildering Nigeria, the President added: “We continue to make steady progress despite the daunting challenges, especially in the areas of insecurity, fight against corruption, diversification of the economy, and our efforts in promoting good governance, amongst other aspirations.”

He further stated that Nigeria’s differences and divergence in culture and religion had contributed immensely in cementing unity, as a people, as well as spurring religious tolerance and respect for one another.

President Buhari urged the Ambassadors to build lasting friendships in the course of performing their duties that will go beyond assignments in Nigeria.

He then assured of partnership and mutual cooperation in canvassing more Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in healthcare system, education, infrastructure, local manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, agribusiness and transportation.

Responding on behalf of the diplomats, the Ambassador of Czech Republic, Zdenek Krejci, assured President Buhari of “comprehensive cooperation’’ of the representatives.

Krejc said the envoys will work for the development of Nigeria, through strengthening of mutual and beneficial relations with their countries.

TheStar