The U.S. Government has imposed visa restrictions on
“individuals responsible for undermining the Nigerian democratic
process”.
A spokesperson of the U.S. Department of State, Ms Morgan
Ortagus, who announced this in a statement on Tuesday, said the
action applied to those responsible for election-related
violence.
Ortagus said the unidentified individuals had “operated with
impunity at the expense of the Nigerian people and undermined
democratic principles and human rights”.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 39
persons died in violence related to the last general elections in
the country.
The action, according to the spokesperson, is in fulfillment of
the U.S. government’s earlier promise to consider sanctions against
anti-democratic forces, including organisers of election-related
violence in the country.
“In a Jan. 24 statement, the U.S. government said that we would
consider consequences – including visa restrictions – for
individuals responsible for undermining the Nigerian democratic
process or for organising election-related violence.
“To that end, the Secretary of State is imposing visa
restrictions on Nigerians believed to be responsible for, or
complicit in, undermining democracy in Nigeria.
“These individuals have operated with impunity at the expense of
the Nigerian people and undermined democratic principles and human
rights,” she said.
The spokesperson emphasised that the restrictions targeted at
specific individuals and not directed at the Nigerian people or the
newly-elected government.
She explained that the decision reflected the Department’s
commitment to working with the Nigerian government in its
anti-corruption crusade and efforts to strengthen democracy,
accountability and respect for human rights.
“The United States is a steadfast supporter of Nigerian
democracy.
“We commend all those Nigerians who participated peacefully in
the February and March 2019 elections and have worked to strengthen
Nigerian democratic institutions and processes.
“As Nigeria marks the 20th anniversary of a return to democratic
rule this year, we remain committed to working together to continue
to advance democracy and respect for human rights and achieve
greater peace and prosperity for both our nations.
“We condemn those whose acts of violence, intimidation, or
corruption harmed Nigerians or undermined the democratic process,”
the spokesperson added.(NAN)
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