US Consulate Places Visa Restrictions on Top Politicians.

The United States Consulate has placed some governors and top politicians on its banned list, for allegedly undermining Nigeria’s democratic processes or for organizing election related violence.

In a statement signed by the Departments’ Spokesperson, MORGAN ORTAGUS and published on its website, it recalled that “On January 24, 2019, the U.S. Government said we would consider consequences – including visa restrictions – for individuals responsible for undermining the Nigerian democratic process or for organizing election-related violence.

Among those reported to have made the banned list are former governor of Edo State and ex-National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole, Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, and Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello, are also among those affected by the latest US sanction, it was gathered while Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna on the other hand had his own visa ban extended.

You may recall that the Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir Elrufai was banned from entering the US since 2010 over alleged graft allegations, Sahara Reporters had reported.

The statement added that in July 2019, we announced the imposition of visa restrictions on Nigerians who undermined the February and March 2019 elections.

“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 statement read

The Department of State emphasized that the actions announced today are specific to certain individuals and not directed at the Nigerian people. This decision reflects the Department of State’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.

The statement restated the commitment of the United States as a steadfast supporter of Nigerian democracy.

“We commend all those Nigerians who participated in elections throughout 2019 and have worked to strengthen Nigerian democratic institutions and processes.  We remain committed to working together to advance democracy and respect for human rights and achieve greater peace and prosperity for both our nations”

The statement condemned the acts of violence, intimidation, or corruption that harmed Nigerians and undermined the democratic process.

As the Edo and Ondo State off-cycle elections near, we urge all stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission, the political parties, and the security services, to uphold the tenets of democracy and facilitate genuinely free and fair elections, conducted in an appropriately transparent and non-violent manner.