We Will Continue to Protect Freedom of Speech, Buhari Assures Diplomats

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured the international community that Nigeria will continue to encourage freedom of speech and robust political discourse.

He sought respect for divergent cultures and opinions and upholding of the nation’s unity.

President Buhari gave the assurance while receiving Letters of Credence from Ambassadors and High Commissioners of six countries at the Presidential Villa yesterday in Abuja.

The President said this would, in turn, encourage citizens’ participation in politics.

A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said President Buhari told the diplomats that Nigeria’s strength remains in its diversity, while the constant differences in positions further signpost a strong democratic culture.

The Ambassadors and High Commissioners are: Mr. Gangadharan Balasubramanian (India), Mrs. Annett Gunther (Germany), Mr. Mohamed Yousif Ibrahim Abdelmannan (Sudan), Mrs. Gerengbo Yakivu Pascaline (Democratic Republic of Congo), Abdullah M. A. Abu Shawesh (State of Palestine), and Mr. Willem Wouter Plomp (The Kingdom of Netherlands) 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 bind 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 existing good relations their predecessors had achieved by being more proactive in diplomatic 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 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,” President Buhari said.