RIPPLES NIGERIA
The United States has slammed a visa ban on some Nigerians and their family members for undermining the country’s democracy.
The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, who announced this in a statement on Wednesday, said the move was part of Washington’s move to advance democracy and tackle corruption in Nigeria.
Although the top US diplomat was silent on the affected individuals, he said they were sanctioned for their roles in the efforts at undermining a recent election in the country.
Blinken added that the visa restriction was not targeted at Nigerians or the government.
The Ekiti and Osun State governorship elections held in the second half of last year were marred by allegations of widespread irregularities, including vote-buying and over-voting respectively.
The Ekiti State governorship election petitions tribunal has affirmed the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Biodun Oyebanji, in the election while the Osun State panel will deliver its ruling on the petition filed by ex-governor Gboyega Oyetola on Friday.
The US and the British governments had last year vowed to impose visa restrictions on promoters of violence and other individuals accused of frustrating Nigeria’s electoral process.
Blinken said: “We are committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world. Today, I am announcing visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process in a recent Nigerian election.
