The Government of the United States has revealed that it has taken steps to impose visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria over their roles in undermining the democratic process during Nigeria’s 2023 elections cycle.
This was made known in a statement by the Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, on Monday, published on the website of the US government on Monday afternoon.
‘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.’
While noting that, ‘the United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world,” Blinken added that the visa restrictions “are specific to certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the government of Nigeria as a whole.’
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Blinken went on to add that, ‘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.’
However, as of the time of filing this report on Monday, Africa Today New, New York can confirm that no name of any individual has been published.
‘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 US government went further to explain that 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.
With the revelation from the US, many Nigerians have begun speculating about who the politicians involved are.