Reprenentatives of the governments of the United States and that of the United Kingdom have issued warnnings to perpetrators of violence be it before, during and after the Nigeria’s general elections that they would be made to face some form of sanctions, including visa restrictions.

They made their views known in Abuja and promised to closely monitor actions of individuals and withhold or withdraw visas of those who interfere in the democratic process or instigate violence.

They also pledged their unwavering support for a genuinely free, fair, transparent, and peaceful electoral process, insisting that they have no preference for any specific candidate or party.

“We, and other democratic nations, will be paying close attention to actions of individuals who interfere in the democratic process or instigate violence against the civilian population before, during, or after the elections,” said a statement from the US Embassy in Abuja.

“We will not hesitate to consider consequences – including visa restrictions – for those found to be responsible for election-related violence or undermining the democratic process. Under U.S. immigration law, certain violations may also lead to restrictions on family members,” the statement added.