The United States of America said it has taken steps to impose visa restrictions on Nigerians involved in undermining the democratic process during the 2023 general elections, the Punch reports.
This was made known in a statement by the Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, on Monday, published on the website of the US government.
America had on January 25, announced that it had imposed visa ban on individuals who disrupted recent elections in Nigeria.
In a statement, the US State Department quoted Blinken as announcing the ban on the unnamed individuals.
Blinken said, “We are committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world. Today, I am announcing visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process in a recent Nigerian election.”
The Secretary of State stated that the visa ban was for certain individuals and not for Nigerians as a whole.
Giving updates, he noted, “The United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world. Today, I am announcing that we have taken steps to impose visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process during Nigeria’s 2023 elections cycle.
“These actions are specific to certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the Government of Nigeria as a whole.
“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 under a policy covering those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy.
“These individuals have been involved in intimidation of voters through threats and physical violence, the manipulation of vote results, and other activity that undermines Nigeria’s democratic process.
“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.”
