US DEPARTMENT OF STATE

PRESS STATEMENT

MORGAN ORTAGUS, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON

SEPTEMBER 14, 2020

The United States is a steadfast supporter of Nigerian democracy. We commend all those Nigerians who participated in elections throughout 2019 and have worked to strengthen Nigerian 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.

In a statement on January 24, 2019, the U.S. Government said we would consider consequences – including visa restrictions – for individuals responsible for undermining the Nigerian democratic process or for organizing election-related violence. 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. These individuals have so far operated with impunity at the expense of the Nigerian people and have undermined democratic principles.

The Department of State emphasizes that the actions announced today are 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.

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.

These individuals have so far operated with impunity at the expense of the Nigerian people and have undermined democratic principles.

Xisnin:
Funny people.

When did "visa restriction" becomes a punishment?

Issame:
Oshiomole Mistakenly Says APC Rigged Osun Election (Video)

"I think that for democracy to flourish, only people who can accept the pain of *rigging* (sorry, defeat) should participate in an election"

- Adams Oshiomole, APC Chairman



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGVgmNPbKWA

Source:
http://nairaplus.com/2018/09/oshiomole-mistakenly-confess-to-rigging-osun-election-video/

AsiwajuNdigbo:
Elrufai has lost travel privileges to US.

Damseldammie:
Should be more effective on 9ja polithiefians

willexyaho:
Will that make them have sense

DMerciful:
Trump needs to win 2020 election to ensure sanity in Nigeria 2023 elections

cheango:
YAYA BELLO, GANDUJE AND CO, hope we won't find them on the list

Racoon:
The US electoral system is not free from malpractice but they work assiduously to make it work.However in our own case, brazen abuse & destruction of our democratic & electioneering process have continued shamelessly by so called leaders.Imagine one year gone & the NASS, INEC or government are still slow dragging on electoral reforms?