Abuja, May 15, 2023 – The United States on Monday said that it had taken a decision to impose visa ban on specific Nigerians who undermined the last general elections,
Antony J. Blinken, the Secretary of State, who announced this in a statement, said the move was not targeted at Nigerians nor the government.
He did not name the specific individuals.
“The United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world.
“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.
“These actions are specific to certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the Government of Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
Blinken said the decision was in compliance with 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”.
Blinken said the individuals were involved in intimidation of voters through threats and physical violence, the manipulation of vote results and others. (GBN)
