President Muhammadu Buhari, in his usual calmness, has assured the nation that the results of the polls would be a reflection of the wish of the people.
President Buhari, who has persistently insisted that no one should be intimidated or insulted in the political campaign, said that he understood the yearnings of Nigerians.
The president told his supporters to continuously showcase achievements instead of mudslinging and violence.
President Buhari spoke when he received Letter of Credence from Ambassador of Finland to Nigeria, Dr Jyrki Juhani Pulkkinen.
He also said he believed in the collective dream for a greater country.
Buhari said Nigerians reserved the right to elect leaders at various levels in 2019, adding that all efforts would be made to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
The president said: “I respect the people’s feelings. I assure all that we will have a free and fair election next year.’’
He congratulated Finland on its 101 independence anniversary, Dec. 6, 2018 and commended the growing relations between Nigeria and Finland, especially in areas of Information Communication Technology (ICT), trade and education.
In his remarks, the Ambassador called for extension of the relations between the two countries for mutual benefits especially in the area of electricity, smart technology and crises management initiatives.
“We will like to contribute to Africa rising, and we know that Nigeria is the biggest country on the continent, so we are very interested in the growth of Nigeria,’’ he said.
At the level of the United Nations, Pulkkinen said his country would continue to support the restructuring of the multilateral institution to give greater roles to African countries like Nigeria.
Buhari also received Letter of Credence from Ambassador of France, Mr Jerome Pasquier.
He said at the occasion that French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, and the stopover in Lagos, was really impressive in bolstering both countries’ relations.
The President also said he was impressed with relations between France and its former colonies in Africa, noting that France had continued to play positive roles in promoting security and economic growth in the countries.
“France is investing so much in Nigeria and we are grateful,’’ he said.
The President, however, called for more support in the fight against terrorism, noting that the networks kept expanding with fighters moving across borders to support insurgents.
Responding, France Ambassador said President Macron would continue to support Nigeria, especially in the ongoing war against terrorism, with specific interest in gathering and sharing of intelligence.
He commended Buhari for Nigeria’s role in resolving the crisis in Togo and Guinea Bissau.
Buhari also received Letter of Credence from the Ambassador of Czech Republic, Mr Marek Skolil, assuring him of improved economic relations in areas such as solid mineral exploration.
Mr Skolil said his country would continue to support Nigerian military in the fight against terrorism in the North-East.
“Nigeria is a very important country for us. We look forward to stronger ties, particularly with the armed forces,’’ he said.
(NAN)
