On Monday, the United States declared that it had initiated actions to impose visa bans on individuals who caused chaos during the recent general elections in Nigeria.
According to a statement on the website of the US State Department, Secretary of State Antony Binken expressed the United States’ dedication to upholding and promoting democracy in Nigeria and globally. He revealed that they have recently implemented measures to enforce visa restrictions on certain individuals in Nigeria who have undermined the democratic process during the country’s 2023 elections.
He clarified that the visa ban applies only to specific individuals and is not aimed at the Nigerian people or the entire Government of Nigeria.
As per the statement, these individuals will be subject to visa restrictions to the United States under a policy that falls within the purview of the US Immigration and Nationality Act. This policy targets those who are suspected of being responsible for or complicit in actions that undermine democracy.
Mr. Blinken stated that these individuals have engaged in voter intimidation, including threats and physical violence, as well as manipulating vote results and other activities that undermine the democratic process in Nigeria.
According to Mr Blinken, the decision to implement visa restrictions signifies the United States’ ongoing dedication to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to enhance democracy and the rule of law.
However, the United States did not disclose the names of the Nigerians affected by the recent visa ban. Nevertheless, there have been instances captured on video where some Nigerians, including Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly known as MC Oluomo, the controversial chief of the Lagos bus transport system, were observed making threats against potential voters.
The most recent elections in Nigeria took place on February 25th and March 18th for federal and state elections respectively. The electoral process was marked by various irregularities, including incidents of violence occurring in different regions of the country.