US threatens visa ban on promoters of violence in Nigeria’s 2023 election
The United States of America has announced that anyone who promotes violence ahead of Nigeria’s 2023 General Elections will face visa restrictions.
America’s Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Mr Michael Gonzales, at Johns Hopkins University international conference issued a warning via a statement titled “United States Policy and Nigeria’s National Decisions in the 2023 Elections.”
The virtual conference, held at the School of Advanced International Studies in Washington DC, brought together Nigerian and American policymakers to discuss issues surrounding the 2023 general elections.
According to Gonzales, the country “will continue to use our messaging, as well as other diplomatic channels at our disposal, including visa restrictions where warranted, to dissuade those who may be tempted to use violence to undermine Nigeria’s democratic process.”
Gonzales says that, the US government is still committed to working with Nigeria to ensure a peaceful power transition in 2023.
Founding Partner of Nextier, Patrick Okigbo, also clarified that the conference was held in the United States to bring election issues and conversations to the international stage.
He discussed the importance of Nigeria’s international partners assisting in the country’s democratic process, while emphasizing that “democracy is not an end state, but a project that requires continuous nurturing.”
He also warned that failing to address the issues raised at the conference could have disastrous consequences, whereas heeding the recommendations could yield a bountiful harvest.
Also, Retired Brig.-Gen. Saleh Bala noted in his contribution that “security challenges in Nigeria are true, present, and tangible, but what remains consistent is the lurking shadow of elite interests and how they serve their interests.”
Ms. Idayat Hassan, Director of the Centre for Democracy and Development, stated that “political parties could not campaign during the Anambra governorship election cycle due to insecurity.”
