The international community is set to take action against Nigeria by imposing travel bans on individuals in response to cases of violence and election rigging. This includes cases of rigging in last November’s Kogi and Bayelsa state elections as well as in the run-up to the September and October 2020 Edo and Ondo state elections.
The US Imposes A Visa Ban For Nigeria
The US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, announced his country’s decision, recently, in a statement made ahead of the Edo state governorship elections set for September 19.
Recalling the United States’ decision to impose visa restrictions on Nigerians who undermined the February and March general elections of 2019, Pompeo revealed that the country was committed in its efforts to support democracy in whatever way it can.
“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,” he said.
“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,” Pompeo said. He also noted that the visa ban was not directed at Nigerians in general, but certain people who oppose peace and democratic values in the country.
UK Will Seize Assets And More
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has also threatened to seize assets and impose visa restrictions on individuals who are caught rigging during the Edo and Ondo State governorship elections.
“As a friend and partner of Nigeria we are closely following the lead up to the off-cycle governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states scheduled for September 19 and October 10 respectively,” the British High Commission in Nigeria said in a statement, adding that “The UK takes a strong stand against election-related violence and, just as we did in the general election in 2019, will continue to take action against individuals we identify as being responsible for violence during the elections.”
The UK further revealed plans to deploy observation missions to monitor both the Edo and Ondo elections and supporting civil society led observation of proceedings in both states.
Despite the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria declaring winners in the Kogi and Bayelsa state elections, opposition parties rejected the results, alleging cases of rigging and unfairness by INEC. Governors of both states were subsequently decided by Nigeria’s Supreme Court.
This story is part of our new series on Nigeria where we analyse electoral reform in the country ahead of the next general elections in 2023.
