In response to certain Nigerian citizens disrupting the democratic process during the recently concluded general elections in 2023, the United States has taken action to impose visa restrictions on them.
In a statement released on Monday, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said that President Joe Biden’s administration was committed to supporting democracy in Nigeria and around the world.
Citing Section 212(a)(3)C of the Immigration and Nationality Act, Blinken explained 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.” Blinken added that “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, the commission of, any such offence.”
The US Government did not specifically name any of the people or groups of people believed to have tainted Nigeria’s elections in 2023, but the country’s decision is said to reflect its ongoing commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen democracy and the rule of law, according to the statement.
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“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.”
“The United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world.”
“These individuals have been 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,” Blinken stated.
