US Imposed Visa Restrictions On Nigerians Undermining Electoral Processes
US DEPARTMENT OF STATE
PRESS STATEMENT
MORGAN ORTAGUS, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON
SEPTEMBER 14, 2020
The United States is a steadfast supporter of Nigerian democracy. We commend all those Nigerians who participated in elections throughout 2019 and have worked to strengthen Nigerian democratic institutions and processes.
We remain committed to working together to advance democracy and respect for human rights and achieve greater peace and prosperity for both our nations. We condemn the acts of violence, intimidation, or corruption that harmed Nigerians and undermined the democratic process.
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 an appropriately transparent and non-violent manner.
In a statement on January 24, 2019, the U.S. Government said we would consider consequences – including visa restrictions – for individuals responsible for undermining the Nigerian democratic process or for organizing election-related violence. In July 2019, we announced the imposition of visa restrictions on Nigerians who undermined the February and March 2019 elections.
Today, the 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 emphasizes 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 realize its expressed commitment to end corruption and strengthen democracy, accountability, and respect for human rights.
Nice
omg
Nice
I can’t agree less about how undermined Democratic principles are
This is good
Nawa oo this is serious.
Humm, nawa o
Good
Nice
Wonderful
Free, fair, transparent election indeed.
Nice
Wonderful
If corruption can be stop it has start from the very top
Pls comply it’s for our good
This is good
This is good
Wow
No movement
Has Nigeria ever had free and fair election before?
I think that will go a long way to reduce election violence in Nigeria by some people
Nice one
God go bless us oo
Okay 👌
Nice one
Amazing
Abegi
Some things are just too funny
From the look of things it’s never a new thing again
This is good
This is hilarious
Good
Good