Unic Press UK: The United States said Monday that additional visa restrictions have been imposed on many Nigerians for undermining the democratic process.
In a press statement, the United States Department of State spokesperson, Morgan Ortagus, said that the Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, has imposed additional restrictions given the election-related violence and undemocratic process that marked the November 2019 Kogi and Bayelsa State elections in Nigeria.
“We condemn 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. 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.”
Prior to the 2019 Nigeria general elections, the U.S. had warned that individuals undermining the democratic process or engaging in election-related violence would face consequences. And in July, the U.S. Government imposed visa restrictions on Nigerians who allegedly undermined the February and March 2019 elections.
The U.S. is imposing visa restrictions on those who undermine democracy in Nigeria. We're committed to working with the Nigerian government to strengthen democratic institutions and processes. Nigerians deserve free, fair, transparent & peaceful elections. https://t.co/6sSEuzRMGR
— Morgan Ortagus (@statedeptspox) September 14, 2020
