By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Washington has announced the imposition of visa ban on some Nigerians alleged to have undermined democratic process during the country’s 2023 general elections.
The US reiterated its commitment towards supporting Nigeria in strengthening democratic aspiration but did not mention politicians involved in the visa restriction.
“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 the rule of law”, the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken announced in a tweet on Monday.
The 2023 presidential and National Assembly elections in Nigeria were characterised by reported hate speeches and ethnic slurs especially against the supporters and spokespersons of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC).
The UK embassy in Nigeria had particularly fingered a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode and a former DG of News Agency of Nigeria, Bayo Onanuga as using hate-laden words against the presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi in the election and his supporters.
Ben Llewellyn-Jones, British deputy high commissioner to Nigeria, faulted Fani-Kayode, an APC chieftain for some of his statements.
Some of the former minister’s tweets in reference to the opposition had contained words and phrases deemed derogatory, divisive and inciting.
On January 25 this year, Secretary Blinken also announced a similar sanction on some Nigerians and their family members also accused of undermining the country’s democracy.
He had explained in a statement that the move was part of Washington’s move to advance democracy and tackle corruption in Nigeria.
