The United States government said on Monday it had imposed visa restrictions on Nigerians who have been found to have undermined the democratic process in four states – Bayelsa, Kogi, Edo, and Ondo.

A statement issued by Morgan Ortagus, spokesman for the Department of State, said the action on Monday, September 14, 2020, was in fulfillment of the announcements made by the American government to hold such persons accountable.

“In July 2019, we announced the imposition of visa restrictions on Nigerians who undermined the February and March 2019 elections.

“Today, the Secretary of State is imposing additional visa restrictions on individuals for their actions surrounding the November 2019 Kogi and Bayelsa State elections and in the run up to the September and October 2020 Edo and Ondo State elections,” it said, without identifying those affected.

“These individuals have so far operated with impunity at the expense of the Nigerian people and have undermined democratic principles,” it added.

The Department of State noted that the United States is a steadfast supporter of Nigerian democracy. It commended all the Nigerians who participated in elections throughout 2019 and have worked to strengthen the country’s democratic institutions and processes.

“We remain committed to working together to advance democracy and respect for human rights and achieve greater peace and prosperity for both our nations.

We condemn the acts of violence, intimidation, or corruption that harmed Nigerians and undermined the democratic process.

“As the Edo and Ondo State off-cycle elections near, we urge all stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission, the political parties, and the security services, to uphold the tenets of democracy and facilitate genuinely free and fair elections, conducted in an appropriately transparent and non-violent manner,” the department said.

It recalled that in a statement on January 24, 2019, the U.S. Government had said it would consider consequences – including visa restrictions – for individuals responsible for undermining the Nigerian democratic process or for organizing election-related violence.

The Department of State emphasized  that the actions announced Monday were specific to certain individuals and not directed at the Nigerian people.

“This decision reflects the Department of State’s commitment to working with the Nigerian government to realize its expressed commitment to end corruption and strengthen democracy, accountability, and respect for human rights,” it said.

The action of the United States comes at a time when there is so much apprehension over the coming elections in Edo (September 19, 2020) and Ondo (October 10, 2020). Activities leading to the polls have been characterized by violence, threats to live, killings, and allegations and counter-allegations by the two leading political parties- ruling All Progressives Congress the main opposition party, the People’s Democratic  Party.

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