The Nigerian Government says it supports the U.S. to impose a visa ban on any Nigerian who threatens the 2023 general election.
Addressing the press in Abuja, Information Minister Alhaji Lai Mohammed said the government still stands in its original position to hand over power to a new administration on May 29, 2023.
The Minister said: “Let me respond to the numerous requests that we have received from the media on the decision by the United States of America to slam a visa ban on some Nigerians who are undermining democracy.
“Let me be clear: whatever action is taken against anyone who undermines this democracy that has been watered by the blood of many of our patriots is right and justified.
"As a government, we are proud to say that no Administration since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999 has shown more fidelity to the democratic process than ours, and no President since 1999 has been as unambiguous as President Muhammadu Buhari, in words and deeds, about leaving office after the constitutionally-stipulated two terms.
“President Buhari has left no one in doubt of his dogged determination to ensure free, fair, and credible elections, and handover to a successor elected by Nigerians, and then return to Daura after the May 29, 2023 handover date.
"As recently as this past Friday, when he visited the Emir of Daura, Mr. President still told the Emirate that he would return and settle down in Daura after handing over on May 29, 2023.
“The President has also given unprecedented support to INEC while also signing into law the Electoral Bill 2022 that Nigerians have hailed as a reason to have confidence in the electoral process.
"Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, you must also not forget our firm response on this same podium on Jan. 10th, 2023 to inquiries from the media over a widely-circulated report, credited to an INEC official, that the 2023 general elections face a serious threat of cancellation due to insecurity.
"We said and I quote, ”the position of the Federal government remains that the 2023 elections will be held as planned. Nothing has happened to change that position.”
“Finally, what we are doing here with our Scorecard Series is another indication of our Administration’s determination to leave office on May 29, 2023.
"With our Honourable Ministers telling Nigerians what we have done since assuming office in 2015, we are in essence presenting our handover notes to those who elected us as an Administration as we prepare to leave in May.
"We are therefore proud that we have sent unambiguous signals to our people and indeed to the world that we will leave office come May 29, 2023.
“We have not been mired in any third-term controversy like was witnessed under the PDP. We are creating the template for a smooth transition of power that will guide future Administrations.
"Let those who undermine our democracy be sanctioned, and let them carry their cross. As a government, we have no reason to worry because our hands are clean!”.
The U.S. imposes visa restrictions.
The United States government recently announced that it would restrict issuing visas to specific individuals who undermined the democratic process in a recent election in Nigeria.
The governorship polls in Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun States were the most recent elections in Nigeria.
A statement by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, also warned that individuals who undermine the upcoming 2023 elections may be affected by the visa ban.
Blinken said, “Today, I am announcing visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process in a recent Nigerian election.”
"Under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the individuals will be found ineligible for visas to America.
“Additional persons who undermine the democratic process in Nigeria—including in the lead-up to, during, and following Nigeria’s 2023 elections—may be found ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy,” he said.
He noted that some family members of such persons may also be subject to the restrictions.
Blinken explained that the latest visa restrictions are not directed at the people or the government, but targeted at certain persons.
“The decision to impose visa restrictions reflects the commitment of the United States to support Nigerian aspirations to combat corruption and strengthen democracy and the rule of law,” Blinken said.
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