Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Nigerians on Twitter have asked the United States Government to list the names of those undermining democracy in Nigeria, Ikengaonline reports.
The US government Monday said it had taken steps to impose visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process during Nigeria’s 2023 elections cycle.
This was made known in a statement by the Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, published on the website of the US government.
“Today, I am announcing that we have taken steps to impose visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process during Nigeria’s 2023 elections cycle.”
While noting that, “the United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world,” Blinken added that the visa restrictions “are specific to certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the government of Nigeria as a whole.”
Blinken said “Under Section 212 (a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, these individuals will be subject to restrictions on visas to the United States under a policy covering those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy.”
The US government disclosed that the decision to take steps to impose visa restrictions reflects the continued commitment of the United States to support Nigeria’s aspirations to strengthen democracy and the rule of law.
“These individuals have been involved in intimidation of voters through threats and physical violence, the manipulation of vote results, and other activity that undermines Nigeria’s democratic process.”
However, no name of any individual has been published by the US government prompting Nigerians in the social media platform to demand for the names of individuals responsible for the problems of the country.
A Twitter user identified as Grace wrote: “Thank you for this. Kindly share the list so that for those who didn’t make the list, we will help you with their names. There are too many killings going on in the Middle Belt, and these political robbers have kept mute. They need to face the music.”
Onasis Kobby @Great_Ona wrote: Can you publish the list ? It should be a lesson to such persons in other African countries.
Another, Oke Umurhohwo @OkeStalyf wrote: “Name and shame the specific individuals. This antics of keeping such individuals no longer work. It would be great to mention their names for transparency purpose. It will solidify the trust a lot of well meaning Nigerians have for America’s stand for good governance and well practiced democracy. Thanks.”
