2019: Buhari Assures Diplomatic Community Of Free, Fair Election

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, received ambassadors of four countries who have just been deployed to Nigeria at the State House in Abuja.

The ambassadors include those of the Russian Federation, Alexey Shebarshin, the Peoples’ Republic of Japan, Mr Yutaka Kikuta, the Federative Republic of Brazil, Richardo Guerra De Araujo, and the Federative Republic of Brazil, Richardo Guerra De Araujo.

The envoys visited the Presidential Villa to present their Letters of Credence to President Buhari this afternoon.

While receiving the diplomats, President Buhari assured Nigerians and international community that the upcoming general elections in 2019 will be free and fair.

The president told the envoys that Nigeria’s political and electoral institutions “have continued to evolve in strength, skill and experience after each election.”

Buhari said, “We are currently at the threshold of another general election and after five general elections in the country since 1999, we expect that the 2019 elections will be free and fair.

“The political system is good and if people work hard they will succeed,’’ the President said.

He told the Russian Ambassador, Shebarshin, that talks were still ongoing on the planned reviving of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex.

“We have opened discussions on the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, and we will continue,’’ President Buhari added.

A statement by the President’s Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said: “The President told the Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Richardo Guerra De Araujo, that the historical ties between both countries and the shared potentials for growth will be further explored, with strong emphasis on economic and social development.

“He said the number of Nigerians in Brazil already provide a strong reason for deeper and richer discussions for both countries.

“Receiving the Letter of Credence of the Ambassador of United Arab Emirates, Fahad Al Taffaq, President Buhari assured him that Nigeria remains committed to strengthening the bilateral relationship that has existed between both countries for many years.

“The President said the courtesies extended to Nigerians in the United Arab Emirates was commendable, assuring the envoy that his administration will continue to strengthen business and trade relations between both countries.

“In his remarks, the Ambassador of Japan said his country remained grateful for Nigeria’s concern and support during the flooding that devastated the country, promising to work hard to further enhance relations in technology, agriculture and trade.

“The Ambassadors of Russia, Brazil and United Arab Emirates assured the president that they will work hard to ensure improved relations in key sectors of the economy, while wishing Nigeria the best in the forthcoming elections,” read the statement.

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