- Demand List Of Indicted Politicians
By Charles Adingupu
Less than 12 hours after the United States announced Visa restrictions on everyone found to have jeopardised the smooth conduct of the last elections, Nigerians have expressed their support for the sanctions.
Investigation by The New Diplomat on social media platforms showed that while many Nigerians cheered the US government’s action, they were disappointed that the country has not been able to publish names of the indicted politicians.
It will be recalled that following the poor conduct and subsequent outcome of the just concluded 2023 general elections, the United States said it was taking steps to impose visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process.
The US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken who disclosed this on Monday, said the administration of President Joe Biden was committed to advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world.
“Today, I am announcing that we have taken steps to impose visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process during Nigeria’s 2023 elections cycle,” he stated in a release.
The release which did not list names of affected politicians, stated that the visa restrictions “are specific to certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the government of Nigeria as a whole”.
Citing Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, Blinken explained that “these individuals will be subject to restrictions on visas to the United States under a policy covering those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy”.
“These individuals have been involved in the intimidation of voters through threats and physical violence, the manipulation of vote results, and other activity that undermines Nigeria’s democratic process,” Blinken said
According to the statement, the US government’s decision reflects the continued commitment of the country to support Nigeria’s aspiration to strengthen democracy and the rule of law.
However, many Nigerians who expressed support for the plan to sanctioned these erring politicians were however disappointed that the United States has not published the names of those involved.
Excerpts:
Julius @delta;
The United States should be bold to mention names as it would discourage others with similar intentions in subsequent elections.
Emma way: @Ekiti:
The list will not be complete without Mahmood Yakubu and all other APC criminals
Dave Onwuka Abia:
Name and shame them. This political statement does not hold waters.
US made similar statement in 2020 after Supreme court appointed Hope Uzodimma as Imo Governor…yet we saw the chief beneficiary of that fraud in a private jet with Buhari to US and back.
Isah @Baba:
MC Oluomo was recently in US and his visa was neither cancelled no denied entry.
Santos Kano Man:
Name the targets in this visa ban list and if Tinubu, FFK, MC Oluomo, Onanuga, Sanwo Olu, Mahmoud Yakubu, Ahmed Lawan, Godswill Akpabio and Nesom Wike are not on that list then it’s just another brouhaha
omotosho4 Mozark Balawa
8 hours ago
Your opinion. You failed to mention the proponents of Interim Government. These elements conveniently forget that adjudication is one of the processes towards concluding the election. It has been so since 1999. Going to Court did not start with Tinubu’s victory at the polls .
Apollo Lagos;
US is also complicit in reaping Nigeria apart. Let America return the looted funds stashed away by Nigerian politicians to their country. They cannot. We are now wiser than this Mr. White man.
