Wilson Adekumola
The United States has disclosed that it has placed visa restrictions on Nigerians who disrupted elections adding such person family members are not excluded from the ban.
A statement by US Secretary of State, Antony Binken, on Wednesday, said , “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 Nigeria elections.
He said, the family member of such person is not excluded from such restrictions.
He explained that the visa restrictions are specific to certain individuals and not directed at Nigerians people or the Government of Nigeria.
He said, “Under Section 212 (a) (3) (c) of the Immigration Act, these individuals will be found ineligible for visas to the United State 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 person 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 individual and not directed at Nigeria people or the Government of Nigeria. The decisions to impose visa restrictions reflects the commitment of the United States to support Nigerian aspiration to combat corruption and strengthen democracy and the rule of law.”
