CENTUS NWEZE REPORTINGÂ
The United State government late Wednesday said that it will be watching the Nigerian Election process with a keen interest and ready to roll out sanctions against those it considers enemies of democratic process in Nigeria.
Making this disclosure, Antony Blinken, US secretary of state said that US will impose Visa Restrictions on “Individuals Involved in Undermining the Democratic Process in Nigeria.
“We are committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world,” he said.
It wouldn’t be the first time the US has done such for Nigeria.
Two former governors of Lagos and Kaduna, for instance are reportedly under visa restriction for their utterances actions on voters repression, intimidation and sundary allegations.
Aside politicians, the drag net may include government workers especially working as electoral officers.
“I am announcing visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process in a recent Nigerian election.
The US top government official hinged the action on Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of the US, saying that these individuals will be found ineligible for visas to the United States under a policy to restrict visas of those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Nigeria.
“Certain family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions.
“Additional persons who undermine the democratic process in Nigeria-including in the lead-up to, during, and following Nigeria’s 2023 elections-may be found ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy.
“The visa restrictions announced today are specific to certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the Government of Nigeria. The decision to impose visa restrictions reflects the commitment of the United States to support Nigerian aspirations to combat corruption and strengthen democracy and the rule of law,” Blinken said.