Skip to main content

FG Accepts US Visa Ban On Democracy Saboteurs

     Alhaji Lai Mohammed and President Muhammadu Buhari 

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.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

EHCON Moves To Rebrand Environmental Health Sector Using Artificial Intelligence

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   Dr Yakubu Baba The Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) has taken cogent steps to rebrand the environmental health sector using artificial intelligence.  Already, plans are underway to extend the initiative across the six geopolitical zones, as no community would be sidelined.  The Registrar of EHCON, Dr Yakubu Baba stated this in Abuja at a 3-day workshop organised by EHCON in collaboration with Afri-Tourism Investment Limited and West Africa Gas Pipeline Authority (WAGPA) with the theme: "AI-Driven Operations and Predictive Analysis." The essence of the workshop is to improve environmental health practice and prevent emerging diseases using artificial intelligent.   It is expected to empower Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) with the necessary digital skills needed to deepen environmental health practice and provide workable  solutions to problems.  Baba noted that integrating AI into environmental he...
Post a Comment
Read more

CCB, NILDS Endorse CIFCFIN Agenda To Eliminate Fraud

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Iliyasu Gashinbaki  The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) have endorsed the agenda of the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN), aimed at eliminating fraud from systems of government.  This was one of the major highlights during the Institute’s 13th Direct Training/Licensed Practitioners Training/graduation and award of Fellowship at NILDS headquarters, Abuja.  Speaking after his investiture as an Honourary Fellow of the Institute, Chairman of CCB, Dr. Abdullahi Bello noted that CIFICFIN embodies excellence, integrity and a steadfast commitment to combating fraud and upholding justice. He pointed out that to be recognised and honoured as a fellow of the institute is a privilege that he will cherish and carry with great responsibility.  “As the Chief Executive of CCB, I am reminded of the critical role we play in fosterin...
Post a Comment
Read more

EHCON Seals Deal With EPHAN On Sustainable Environmental Solutions

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja L-R- Registrar/ CEO of EHCON Dr. Yakubu Mohammed Baba and President of EPHAN, Dr. Samuel Akingbehin during a strategic engagement session on Friday in Abuja. In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) has sealed a deal with Public Health Association of Nigeria (EPHAN) on sustainable environmental solutions.  The partnership wlll also bolster  speedy implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on environmental and public health.  News Rider reports that SDG 3 places emphasis on good health and well-being through the reduction of noncommunicable diseases, combatting waterborne diseases.; as well as lowers death and illness from exposure to hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution.  This is even as SDG 6 guarantees clean water and sanitation through universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water and sanitation.  Addressing the media du...
Post a Comment
Read more