- US Places Visa Ban on Nigerian Politicians
The United State government on Tuesday announced it has started restricting Nigerian politicians undermining democrazy from traveling to the U.S.
The ban was announced in a statement signed by Morgan Ortagus, the spokesperson of the US department of state.
“The United States is a steadfast supporter of Nigerian democracy. We commend all those Nigerians who participated peacefully in the February and March 2019 elections and have worked to strengthen Nigerian democratic institutions and processes,” the statement read.
“As Nigeria marks the twentieth anniversary of a return to democratic rule this year, we remain committed to working together to continue to advance democracy and respect for human rights and achieve greater peace and prosperity for both our nations. We condemn those whose acts of violence, intimidation, or corruption harmed Nigerians or undermined the democratic process.
“In a January 24 statement, the U.S. government said that we would consider consequences – including visa restrictions – for individuals responsible for undermining the Nigerian democratic process or for organising election-related violence. To that end, the Secretary of State is imposing visa restrictions on Nigerians believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Nigeria. These individuals have operated with impunity at the expense of the Nigerian people and undermined democratic principles and human rights.”
While no name was mentioned, the department of state explained that the action is to ensure politicians sabotaging the country’s democracy are compelled to fix it.
It also noted that the actions are specific to certain individuals and not directed at the Nigerian people or the government.
