By Eric Elezuo
The Mr Joe Biden-led government of the United States of America, has announced its readiness to implement visa restrictions on individuals found to be undermining democracy in Nigeria as the February 25 Presidential election draws closer.
The announcement was made via a press statement obtained from the website of the official website of the Government of the United States of America through the Department of State, and signed by the Secretary of State, Anthony J. Blinken.
The statement said the measure was necessary because America is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world.
It further clarified that the restrictions are specific to certain individuals and not directed to Nigerian people and government.
The statement in full:
We are committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world. Today, I am announcing visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process in a recent Nigerian election.
Under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, these individuals will be found ineligible for visas to the United States under a policy to restrict visas of those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Nigeria. Certain family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions. Additional persons who undermine the democratic process in Nigeria—including in the lead-up to, during, and following Nigeria’s 2023 elections—may be found ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy.
The visa restrictions announced today are specific to certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the Government of Nigeria. The decision to impose visa restrictions reflects the commitment of the United States to support Nigerian aspirations to combat corruption and strengthen democracy and the rule of law.
