According to the US, some affected persons’ family members
will also be sanctioned.
This was announced by the US Secretary of State, Antony
Blinken, in a statement released on Wednesday, obtained by The Punch.
He stated that the sanctioned individuals, the identities of
whom he did not reveal, would be ineligible for US visas.
The top diplomat also stated that some family members of
those barred from entering the United States may face the same restrictions.
He stated, “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 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.
“Certain family members of such persons 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.”
Blinken clarified that the visa restriction was not aimed at
Nigerians or the government.
He described it as a reflection of the United States'
commitment to assisting Nigeria's efforts to combat corruption and strengthen
democracy and the rule of law.
“The visa restrictions announced today are specific to
certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the
Government of Nigeria. The decision to impose visa restrictions reflects the
commitment of the United States to support Nigerian aspirations to combat
corruption and strengthen democracy and the rule of law,” the statement said.
The development comes just two months after Rolf Olson,
political counsellor at the US Embassy in Nigeria, stated that the US would
impose visa sanctions on those who attempt to undermine Nigeria's democratic
process.