2023: Nigeria Will Continue To Ensure Freedom Of Speech – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja assured that 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.

Receiving Letters of Credence from ambassadors and high commissioners of six countries at the State House, the president told the diplomats that Nigeria’s strength remains in its diversity, and the constant differences in positions further signpost a strong democratic culture.

The Ambassadors and High Commissioners of the Republic of India, Gangadharan Balasubramanian; Germany, Annett Gunther; Sudan, Mohamed Abdelmannan; Democratic Republic of Congo, Gerengbo Pascalin; State of Palestine, Abdullah Abu Shawesh, and The Kingdom of Netherlands, Willem Plomp, presented their Letters of Credence to President Buhari.

“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,’’ he said.

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

“Today’s occasion, during which you have just presented your Letters of Credence to me, officially marks the formal assumption of your representational duties as Ambassadors/High Commissioners of your respective countries to Nigeria.

“You represent some of the most prominent countries on the earth and some of our important trading, political and cultural partners.

“The bilateral relationship that exists between each of your countries and the Federal Republic of Nigeria is warm and very cordial, and the cooperation and collaboration between us in several areas, such as socio-economic, political, security, education and cultural spheres,’’ the president noted.

-Premium Times