The Federal Government has accepted the visa ban imposed by the United States of America on democracy saboteurs in Nigeria.
Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, stated this on Monday at the 20th edition of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s (PMB) Administration Scorecard Series (2015-2023) in Abuja.
He noted that any action taken against anyone who undermined the nation's democracy and watered by the blood of many patriots is right and justified.
United States government had on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 announced visa ban for individuals that disrupted the recent elections in Nigeria.
The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken said that the move was intended to support Nigeria’s aspirations to combat corruption and strengthen democracy and the rule of law.
But the minister insisted that the President Buhari-led administration is committed to free, fair and credible elections as well as a smooth handover to a successor elected by Nigerians in May 29.
“As a government, we are proud to say that no administration since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, has shown more fidelity to the democratic process than ours.
“No President since 1999, has been as unambiguous as President Buhari, in word and in deed, with regards to leaving office after the constitutionally-stipulated two terms,” he added.
Mohammed noted that President Buhari backed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by signing into law the Electoral Bill 2022, which was praised by Nigerians.
He reminded Nigerians on the stance of the administration to conduct the general elections as planned and scheduled.
The minister stated that the scorecard series, which enabled ministers to provide account of their stewardship since 2015 was an indication of the administration’s determination to leave office on May 29, 2023.
“We have not been mired in any third term controversy like was witnessed under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“In fact, we are creating the template on a smooth transition of power that will guide future administrations", he said.
The minister stated that those who undermined Nigeria's democracy should be sanctioned, and be made to face the repercussions.
He disclosed that the current administration led by the All Progressives Congress (APC) is not skeptical about the ban, saying that their hands are clean.
The US Secretary of State had in the statement disclosed that certain family members of such persons may be subject to the restrictions.
Blinken said: “Today (Wednesday) 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.
“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".
He said that the visa restrictions was for specific individuals and not directed at the Nigerian people or the Government of Nigeria.
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