Federal Govt Keeps Mum As US Imposes Visa Ban On Electoral Offenders

The federal government is yet to react to the visa restriction imposed on specific individuals in Nigeria for their alleged involvement and complicity during the 2023 general elections.

The United States had imposed visa restrictions against specific individuals it said undermined Nigeria’s 2023 general election through voter intimidation and physical violence.

US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, made this announcement in a press statement he issued on Tuesday, stressing that the US action was in line with section 212(a)(3)C)  of the Immigration  and Nationality Act of the US government.

 Recall that the US and the United Kingdom had during the elections held between February and March, 2023, threatened to impose visa ban on electoral offenders in Nigeria.  

This US however did not name the individuals who will suffer this penalty.

Part of the statement by Blinken reads: “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  election cycle.  These actions are specific to certain individuals and not directed at the Nigerian people or the government of Nigeria as a whole.

“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 aspiration to strengthen democracy and the rule of law.”

The statement added that the US is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world.

At the time of filing this report, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Francisca Omayuli, was yet to respond to calls put across to her. She did not also respond to a WhatsApp message sent to her.