Rough and tough times for ‘election riggers’ in Nigeria.
For their actions, seen as undermining democracy, during the Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections in 2019, the United States (U.S.) has slamed visa ban on the individuals.
American visa
The Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, who imposed the visa restriction, refused to disclose names of those affected.
Similar punishment has been meted to other individuals seen to be manipulating the process leading to the September 19 and October 10 governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states.
Spokesperson for the Department of State, Morgan Ortagus, on Monday, signed a statement on behalf of Pompeo.
It reads: “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.
United States
“The Department of State emphasises 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 realise its expressed commitment to end corruption and strengthen democracy, accountability, and respect for human rights”.
“We remain a steadfast supporter of Nigerian democracy and commend all those Nigerians who participated in elections throughout 2019 and have worked to strengthen democratic institutions and processes.
“We condemn acts of violence, intimidation or corruption that harm Nigerians and undermine the democratic process.
“As the Edo and Ondo States 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 free and fair elections, conducted in an appropriately transparent and non-violent manner”.
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