The United States Government has said it will place visa restrictions on Nigerians responsible for election violence that undermined the democratic process during Saturday’s gubernatorial and state assembly elections.
The US in a statement issued Tuesday by its Consulate in Nigeria, said it is deeply troubled by the disturbing acts of violence, voter intimidation, and suppression that took place during the elections.
DIPLOMATIC DIARY reported that during the March 18 election, there was widespread violence, ballot box snatching, destruction of BVAS machines, and intimidation of voters by hoodlums across the country.
In Lagos State, about 17 people were arrested by the police for attacking the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, vandalism and ballot box snatching, possession of a fake INEC ID, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, assault occasioning harm, and illegal possession of firearms.
The US authorities, however, called on Nigerian authorities to hold individuals found to have ordered or carried out efforts to intimidate voters and suppress voting during the election process accountable.
It urged aggrieved candidates to seek legal means to seek justice for cases of alleged election malpractices.
The statement read: “Nigeria carried out the second round of its electoral process with gubernatorial and state assembly elections on March 18.
“The United States is deeply troubled by the disturbing acts of violent voter intimidation and suppression that took place during those polls in Lagos, Kano, and other states.
“Members of the U.S. diplomatic mission observed the elections in Lagos and elsewhere and witnessed some of these incidents first-hand. The use of ethnically charged rhetoric before, during, and after the gubernatorial election in Lagos was particularly concerning.
“We commend all Nigerian political actors, religious and community leaders, youth, and citizens who have chosen to reject and speak out against such violence and inflammatory language, affirming Nigerians’ commitment to and respect for the democratic process.
“We call on Nigerian authorities to hold accountable and bring to justice any individuals found to have ordered or carried out efforts to intimidate voters and suppress voting during the election process.
“The United States likewise will consider all available actions, including additional visa restrictions, on individuals believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in Nigeria.
“Following the February 25 national elections, the United States joined other international observers in urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to improve voting processes and technical elements that experienced flaws in that voting round.
“The March 18 elections appear to have had significant operational improvements, as polling stations generally opened on time and most results were visible on an electronic viewing platform in a timely manner.
“The United States renews its call for any challenges to election results to go through established legal processes, which must not be interfered with.
“We further call for Nigeria’s people to work together as they participate in and continue to strengthen the country’s vibrant democracy.”
