Elections: “U.S Proposed Visa Ban is Justified,” Says Nigerian Government
Solomon Chung, Abuja.
The Nigerian government says the visa ban decision proposed by the United States of America on political stakeholders undermining the country’s democracy is right, justified and a welcome idea that must be supported.
Speaking at the 20th edition of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration scorecard series in Abuja on Monday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, reiterated the Nigerian government’s stance on the proposed action by the U.S.
Mohammed said the present administration, more than any other, has shown more fidelity to the democratic process than others in both word and in deed.
4. Let me be clear: whatever action is taken against anyone who undermines this democracy that has been watered by the blood of many
of our patriots is right and justified.— Fed Min of Info & Cu (@FMICNigeria) January 30, 2023
The Minister said the government has also exhibited determination to ensure free, fair and credible elections in 2023.
“Whatever action is taken against anyone who undermines this democracy that has been watered by the blood of many of our patriots is right and justified.
“For us as a government, we are proud to say that no administration, since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, has shown more fidelity to the democratic process than ours, and no President since 1999 has been as unambiguous as President Muhammadu Buhari, in word and in deed, with regards to leaving office after the constitutionally-stipulated two terms,” said Lai Mohammed.
The Minister further stated that President Muhammadu Buhari has left no one in doubt of a smooth handover on May 29, 2023 to a successor elected by Nigerians afterwhich he would return to his country home, Daura-Katsina state.
“As recently as this past Friday, when he visited the Emir of Daura, Mr. President still told the Emirate that he would return and settle down in Daura after handing over on May 29, 2023.
“The President has also given unprecedented support to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) while also signing into law the Electoral Bill 2022 that Nigerians have hailed as a reason to have confidence in the electoral process.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, you must also not forget our firm response on this same podium on 10th January, 2023 to inquiries from the media over a widely-circulated report, credited to an INEC official, that the 2023 general elections face a serious threat of cancellation due to insecurity.
“We said and I said that the position of the Federal Government remains that the 2023 elections will be held as planned. Nothing has happened to change that position.
“As we prepare to leave in May, we are proud that we have sent unambiguous signals to our people and indeed to the world that we will leave office come May 29, 2023.
“We have not been mired in any third term controversy like was witnessed under the PDP.
“In fact, we are creating the template on a smooth transition of power that will guide future administrations.
“Let those who undermine our democracy be sanctioned, and let them carry their own cross.
“As a government, we have no reason to worry because our hands are clean!” said Lai Mohammed.
Nigerians will head to the polls to elect a new president on 25th February, barely a month from now, as campaigns and electoral activities intensify across the country.
Edited by Amaka E. Nliam
