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.
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“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.
