Stop tarnishing image of Nigeria abroad, you gain nothing – Presidency

The Presidency has issued a stern warning to those disparaging Nigeria and its citizens abroad to desist from it.

Presidency also criticised foreign meddling in the affairs of Nigeria, depicting those behind them as acting in bad faith.

This was contained in a statement signed by Senior Special Assistant to the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu on Wednesday.

Shehu made reference to the Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Masari’s recent call depiction on “foreign powers to meddle in the internal affairs of Nigeria” as the “highest level of unpatriotism.”

He warned Nigerians to be good ambassadors of Nigeria if they want foreigners to think positively about the nation.

The statement read, “There’s nothing to gain by disparaging your country overseas. Every citizen must respect their nation. Those countries they go to and say bad things about Nigeria, their citizens dare not do that.

“When they go outside, they speak well of their nation. They are ambassadors of their own country. They are salesmen for their nations. Why do we go out and tell the worst stories of our own country?

“I think that Nigerians have to change. If we don’t love this country and if we don’t promote it, nobody will do it for us. This is very clear from the message Governor (Aminu) Masari (of Katsina State) issued a few days ago.”