The US imposes a visa ban on Nigerian general election disruptors
The United
States of America has stated that it has initiated the process necessary to
deny visas to individuals who were responsible for disrupting the most
recent general elections
in Nigeria.
Secretary
of State Antony Binken issued a statement that was posted on the website of the
United States Department of State, stating that “the United States is
committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the
world.” Blinken made it clear that the visa ban does not apply to the
Nigerian people as a whole or the Nigerian government in its entirety. Rather,
the ban is only applicable to a select few individuals.
According
to the statement, these persons will be subject to limits on visas to enter the
United States under the US Immigration and Nationality Act. This policy covers
those who are thought to be responsible for or complicit in undermining
democracy.
“These individuals have been involved in the
intimidation of voters through threats and physical violence, the manipulation
of vote results, and other activities that undermine Nigeria’s democratic
process,” Mr.
Blinken said. According to him, the United States is dedicated to supporting
Nigeria’s goals to improve democracy and the rule of law, and the decision to
take steps to impose visa restrictions is a reflection of that ongoing
commitment.
However,
the United States did not identify the Nigerians who are the result of the most
recent visa suspension. This is despite the fact that several Nigerians, such
as the infamous head of the Lagos bus transit system, Musiliu Akinsanya, often
known as MC Oluomo, were seen on tape threatening potential voters.
A number of anomalies, including outbreaks of violence in some areas, marred the most recent presidential elections in Nigeria, which took place on February 25. Bola Tinubu emerged victorious in the election to assume the role of president. In spite of the fact that his two primary opponents are contesting his election in court, he will be sworn into office on May 29. The Nigerian government has not commented on the recent news regarding the US visa ban.
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