Victor Ezeja
The United States government has announced visa restrictions on some Nigerian politicians found to have undermined the democratic process, especially during the last general elections.
This was disclosed in a statement released on Monday, 15 May signed by the US Secretary of State, Anthony J. Blinken.
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Although the statement did not mention specific names of those already slammed with the ban, it said steps have been taken “to impose visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process during Nigeria’s 2023 elections cycle.”
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Blinken explained that the actions are targeted at specific individuals found culpable for violence, voter intimidation and suppression, and manipulation of election results and other activities that undermines democratic process in Nigeria.
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“The United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world. Today, I am announcing that we have taken steps to impose visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process during Nigeria’s 2023 elections cycle,” Blinken stated.
“These actions are specific to certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the Government of Nigeria as a whole,'” he further explained.
Recall that the United States had prior to the Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, warned that it would impose visa restrictions on political actors found to be either directly involved or encouraging actions that undermines the democratic process.
“Under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, these individuals will be subject to restrictions on visas to the United States under a policy covering those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy.
“These individuals have been involved in intimidation of voters through threats and physical violence, the manipulation of vote results, and other activity that undermines Nigeria’s democratic process.
“The decision to take steps to impose visa restrictions reflects the continued commitment of the United States to support Nigerian aspirations to strengthen democracy and the rule of law,” he added.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
