Just weeks to commencement of the nation’s latest general polls, the United States Government has come out with a stern warning that visa restrictions would be imposed on individuals deemed as undermining the Nigeria 2023 General Elections.
Announcing America’s position in a statement released by the US Mission on Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said that the action was in line with its commitment to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world.
In his words: “Today, I am announcing visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process in a recent Nigerian election.
“Under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 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 US 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.”
The News Room recalls that the US routinely releases and follows up actions on such notifications concerning placing such visa restrictions as deterrence against electoral aberrates.
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