By Olusegun Olanrewaju
The United States Government yesterday said it had taken steps to impose visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process during Nigeria’s 2023 elections cycle.
The restriction is coming in the wake of a move by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to launch a manhunt for politicians over an alleged plot to derail the inauguration of May 29.
The US authorities made their decision known in a statement by the Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, published on the website of the American government.
Blinken wrote, “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.”
He further stated, “The United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world.”
Blinken added 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.”
The Secretary of State added, “Under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 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, undermining democracy.”
However, as of the time of filing this report, no name of any individual has been published, even as some Nigerians yesterday took to social media, calling on the US government to publish the names of those to be affected by the policy.
The American authorities stated, “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.”
Washington further disclosed the decision to take steps to impose visa restrictions reflects the continued commitment of the US to support Nigerian aspirations to strengthen democracy and the rule of law.
*As police launch manhunt for politicians over plot to derail inauguration
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says it has launched a manhunt for politicians allegedly plotting to scuttle the forthcoming May 29 inauguration of the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and his running mate, Kashim Shettima.
Disclosing this at a press briefing at Force Headquarters, Abuja, yesterday, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, said the operation was being carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, particularly intelligence officials.
Baba said the development became imperative to tame subversive elements who had been trying to destabilize the peaceful environment currently being enjoyed in the country.
“Following the successful conclusion of the 2023 General elections, it has been observed that some major political actors that the outcome did not favour, have been issuing public threats that are directed at instigating actions to frustrate the Presidential inauguration ceremony on 29th May 2023.
“The Nigeria Police and the national intelligence community have been closely monitoring the activities of these political elites as well as other elements who have formed themselves into unpatriotic brands whose only fantasy, in recent times, is to subvert our national security interests,” he said.
The IGP added, “In so doing, they seem to be bent on deploying extra-judicial and undemocratic means to truncate our democratic heritage in the advancement of their narrow personal political considerations.
“The beauty of democracy lies not just in the freedom of the citizens to freely exercise their franchise within the electoral cycle. It is also hinged on the right of aggrieved political actors to submit grievances on the electoral outcome to the judicial process for consideration,” the police chief said.
Baba noted that the security agencies would no longer tolerate any utterance capable of throwing the country into turmoil, adding that any political actor who does not heed the warning will be made to face the wrath of the law.
The police chief added, “Ladies and gentlemen, the imperative of peace in our national life cannot be over-emphasised. Sustenance of peace and security is even more expedient at this stage in our national democratic transition.
“Consequently, while the Nigeria Police, in synergy with other security agencies and the intelligence community, continues to closely monitor the activities of these political elements, it has become expedient to make some clear statements.
“Firstly, the Nigeria Police hereby sternly warns all political actors with subversive agenda and their collaborators, particularly, their foot soldiers who they are exposing to political radicalisation and extremism to, henceforth, jettison their ongoing premeditated attempts to create tension within the national space with intention of derailing the 29th May 2023 Presidential Inauguration Ceremony.
“Secondly, any such persons, regardless of their political affiliations who continuously engage in acts that are inimical to our nation’s democratic and security interests should not be in doubt on the firm determination of the Nigeria Police
“…under my watch to closely collaborate with the law enforcement family and the intelligence community to defend our democracy, keep the internal security order stable and optimally deploy our common unique assets towards guaranteeing the successful conduct of the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony.”
