According to the United States, efforts have been made to restrict visas for Nigerians who interfered in the recent elections.
Monday’s announcement was made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a statement.
According to the statement, Secretary of State Antony Binken stated that “the United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world” in a statement posted on the website of the US State Department.
“Today, I am announcing that steps have been taken to impose visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process during the Nigerian election cycle of 2023.”
He made it plain that the visa suspension does not affect all Nigerians or the Nigerian government, but only a select group of individuals.
The United States had repeatedly threatened severe retaliation against anyone who interfered with the Nigerian election. Blinken asserted in January that those who interfered with the gubernatorial elections in Ekiti and Osun in 2022 were subject to immigration restrictions.
“Under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, these individuals will be subject to restrictions on visas to the United States in accordance with a policy covering those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy,” the statement continued.
“These individuals have participated in the intimidation of voters through threats and physical violence, the manipulation of vote results, and other activities that undermine the democratic process in Nigeria.
“The decision to take steps to impose visa restrictions reflects the continued commitment of the United States to support Nigerian aspirations to strengthen democracy and the rule of law.”
Despite the fact that certain Nigerians, including the controversial chief of the Lagos bus system, Musiliu Akinsanya, also known as MC Oluomo, were caught on camera threatening voters, the United States did not identify the Nigerians who were subject to the most recent visa suspension.