Buhari: We Have Zero Tolerance for Interference in Elections Conducted by INEC 

* Reiterates commitment to peaceful, credible polls in 2023

* Warns against use of social media to incite people 

Deji Elumoye in Abuja 

President Muhammadu Buhari has declared that his administration will not in any form interfere in elections conducted across the country by the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Speaking in Lisbon at a meeting with representatives of Nigerians living in Portugal, the president, while citing the recent gubernatorial elections in Anambra and Ekiti States, noted that his government has proven consistently its zero tolerance for interference in elections.

He insisted that Nigerians should be allowed to vote for the party and candidate of their choice when the need arises. 

President Buhari also gave assurances of a free hand to INEC, reiterating the commitment of his administration to ensure that the commission (INEC) delivers peaceful,  transparent, free, fair and credible elections next year.

He stressed that with the conclusion of the primaries of the political parties, all eyes are now on the 2023 elections in Nigeria. 

His words: ‘‘We also look forward to a smooth transition to the next government. As I have said before, our administration will not compromise on doing the right things and the welfare of Nigerians, home and abroad.”

The president also used the occasion to caution against the use of social media to insult and incite from a safe and anonymous distance, urging the Diaspora to always promote Nigeria’s unity. 

‘‘The world is a global village and technology has shrunk the world even more. Although you reside beyond Nigeria’s boundaries, you can engage easily with the country. In fact, we see the impact of that engagement clearly on social media.

‘‘This platform has empowered Nigerians in the diaspora and given you great influence. As we have seen, however, social media can be a force for good as well as a force for evil.

‘‘Many countries, including our own have had to take strong measures against some social media platforms to curb their excesses and prevent them from destabilizing our societies.

‘‘I, therefore, call upon you to use social media responsibly. We all want the best for our country and people, so let us strive to build, unite and prosper our nation and people and not to insult and incite from a safe and anonymous distance,’’ he said.

President Buhari expressed delight in the successful involvement of diaspora in various fields such as agriculture, health care, education, ICT, and the food industry in Nigeria. 

He noted that many countries, including Nigeria, have shown that their diaspora can be a veritable engine for growth and development. 

Acknowledging the huge contribution the diaspora has made to Nigeria’s economy, the president said: ‘‘In every field of human endeavour, be it the creative industries, sports, health, academia, Nigerians in the diaspora have thrived and leveraged on their skills to raise our country’s profile higher, economically, socially, technologically and culturally.

‘‘It is for these reasons that this government established the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to facilitate and support your engagement with our country for a win-win outcome in our effort to keep Nigerians united at home and abroad.

‘‘You must continue to be our ambassadors-at-large in your comportment, actions and character. 

‘‘You must excel and be the best in all your endeavours. While here, you must also not forget home as you are the example we want to project to the rest of the world.’’

President Buhari assured the meeting coordinated by the Chairman of Nigerians In Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, that the federal government would continue to do everything possible to catalyse development in various fields of the economy.

He also encouraged them to key into the programmes of NIDCOM, so as to contribute to initiatives such as the Nigerian Diaspora Investment Trust Fund. 

Earlier in his speech, the Nigerian Ambassador to Portugal, Alex Enan Kefas, told President Buhari that records indicate that there are some 3,000 Nigerians living in the country, who are generally well behaved and living peacefully among themselves and the host authorities. 

The envoy informed the president of the recent arrest and detention of about 13 Nigerians for alleged offences of money laundering and cybercrime. 

According to him, the Embassy conducted a consular visit to the prison which revealed that the arrests were ‘‘disproportionate and unjust’’, as many of them were innocent of the allegations. 

He said the Mission is trying its best to ensure the release of the innocent to enable them reunite with their families.