By Harry Awurumibe, Editor Abuja Bureau
Apparently unhappy with the level of electoral malpractices that happened in the recent general election especially the brazen intimidations by ethnic bigots, snatching of ballot boxes and killing of perceived political opponents, the United States (US) government has said it had taken steps to impose visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process during Nigeria’s 2023 elections cycle.
The U.S. latest stand was made known in a statement issued by the Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, on Monday, published on the website of the US government.
The statement read in parts: “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.
“The United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world”.
It also stated that: “the visa restrictions are specific to certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the government of Nigeria as a whole.”
According to Blinken: “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 US government disclosed 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.
However, no name of any individual in Nigeria has been published as the offender by the US authorities as at the time of filing this report.
