US IMPOSES VISA BAN ON NIGERIANS WHO TRIED TO RIG ELECTIONS
The US government has imposed visa restrictions on Nigerians who tried to undermine the country's democracy by causing violence or rigging elections.
Although the US State Department did not reveal those affected, it said the visa sanctions were targeted at some individuals who were involved in election violence, not the general population.
"Today, the Secretary of State is imposing additional visa restrictions on individuals for their actions surrounding the November 2019 Kogi and Bayelsa State elections and in the run-up to the September and October 2020 Edo and Ondo State elections. These individuals have so far operated with impunity at the expense of the Nigerian people and have undermined democratic principles," the US State Department said in a statement released on Monday, September 14.
The UK government and the US issued a warning in January 2019 that they would impose sanctions on individuals found inciting violence during elections in Nigeria. In a joint statement, the UK and the US said the travel restrictions would also affect the family members of those found guilty of such offence.
In July 2020, the US made good its threat and announcing that visa restrictions had been placed on individuals found guilty of undermining Nigeria's 2019 general elections.
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The US Department of State said its decision shows America's commitment to working with the Nigerian government to realize its expressed commitment to end corruption and strengthen democracy, accountability, and respect for human rights.
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