According to Blinken, President Joe Biden’s administration is dedicated to supporting democracy in Nigeria and all across the world.
In response to certain Nigerian citizens disrupting the democratic process during the recently finished general elections in 2023, the United States has taken action to impose visa restrictions on them.
Anthony Blinken, the US secretary of state, revealed this on Monday.
President Joe Biden’s administration, according to a statement from Blinken, is dedicated to supporting democracy in Nigeria and all throughout 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,” the statement said.
“The United States is committed to advancing and supporting democracy in Nigeria and around the world.”
The limits on obtaining visas, according to him, “are specific to certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the government of Nigeria as a whole.”
Blinken said 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” by citing Section 212(a)(3)C of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
The US Government, however, made no mention of any of the people or groups of people believed to have tainted Nigeria’s 2023 elections.
These people have engaged in activities that threaten Nigeria’s democratic process, such as manipulating election results and intimidating voters with threats and physical violence, Blinken continued.
The US government’s choice, according to the statement, shows the nation’s sustained commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to enhance democracy and the rule of law.
