The United States government says it has imposed visa restrictions on specific individuals who undermined the democratic process during Nigeria’s 2023 elections.
The Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
“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,” Blinken said.
Blinken stated that the visa restriction decision reflects the continued commitment of the US government to support Nigerian aspirations to strengthen democracy and the rule of law.
We have imposed visa restrictions on specific individuals who undermined the democratic process during Nigeria’s 2023 elections. We remain committed to supporting Nigerian aspirations to strengthen democracy and rule of law.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) May 15, 2023
He noted 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 however he did not disclose the names of those affected by the visa ban.
According to him, these individuals were involved in the intimidation of voters through threats and physical violence, the manipulation of vote results, and other activity that undermines Nigeria’s democratic process.
“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,” he added
He also noted the US government is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world.
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