The United States Government has imposed visa restrictions on individuals whose actions were detrimental to democratic principles in the kogi and Bayelsa election in November 2019 ,as well as in the run -up of the Edo and Ondo governorship elections in September and October 2020.
According to the State Department,the restriction is not targeted at the Nigerian people but specific individuals whose conduct negate democratic tenets.
A statement signed by the Spokesperson for the Department of State, Morgan Ortagus on Monday reads.
” In July 2019 we announced the imposition of visa restrictions on Nigerians who undermined the February and March 2019 elections.Today, Secretary of State is imposing additional visa restrictions on individuals for their actions surrounding the November 2019 Kogi and Bayelsa State elections and in the run up to the September and October 2020 Edo and Ondo State elections .
” These individuals have so far operated with impunity at the expense of the Nigerian people and have undermined democratic principles
” The Department of State emphasises that the actions announced today are specific to certain individuals and not directed at the Nigerian people.This decision reflects the Department of State’s commitment to working with the Nigerian government to realise its expressed commitment to end corruption and strengthen democracy, accountability, and respect for human rights
The statement however urged stakeholders in the Edo and Ondo elections to uphold the tenets of democracy by ensuring that the election is free ,fair and transparent.
” As the Edo and Ondo State off- cycle elections near,we urge all stakeholders including the Independent National Electoral Commission, the political parties, and the security services to uphold the tenets of democracy and facilitate genuinely free and fair elections, conducted in in an appropriately transparent and non-violent manner “the statement added.
I wish they could mention names.