President Muhammadu Buhari has reassured Nigerians and the international community that the forthcoming general elections in 2019 will be free and fair.

He gave the assurance when he received Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of the Peoples’ Republic of Japan, Mr Yutaka Kikuta, and three others on Tuesday at the State House in Abuja.

The President was hopeful that the elections would usher Nigeria into another clime of maturity, peace and unity.

He added that the country’s political and electoral institutions have continued to evolve in strength, skill and experience after each election.

“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,” President Buhari was quoted as saying in a statement by Mr Femi Adesina, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.

He believes the increase in the number of political parties that will field candidates in the elections indicates more democratic consciousness among Nigerians and willingness to serve the country.

Receiving Letter of Credence from the Ambassador of the Russian Federation, Mr Alexey Shebarshin, the President commended the country for always standing by Nigeria.

He also pledged that discussions on reviving the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, partnerships in agriculture and other bilateral interests in trade and economic development would be sustained.

“We have opened discussions on the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, and we will continue,” he added.

President Buhari also 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 would be further explored, with a strong emphasis on economic and social development.

According to him, the number of Nigerians in Brazil has already provided 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, the President assured the diplomat that Nigeria remains committed to strengthening the bilateral relationship that has existed between both countries for many years.

He said the courtesies extended to Nigerians in the United Arab Emirates was commendable and assured the envoy that his administration would 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.

He promised to work hard to further enhance relations in technology, agriculture and trade between both countries.

The Ambassadors of Russia, Brazil and United Arab Emirates also assured the President that they would work hard to ensure improved relations in key sectors of the economy while wishing Nigeria the best in the forthcoming elections.

•Sourced from Channels TV report