The United States of America said yesterday it would impose
visa restrictions on any Nigerian found to have incited violence or interfered
with the electoral process.
According to U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African
Affairs, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. will shut its doors on people
involved in any form of violence during the polls.
“Anyone found to have incited violence or interfered with
electoral processes will be unwelcome in the United States and subject to visa
sanctions,” Thomas-Greenfield said in a statement.
Ms. Thomas-Greenfield said while the elections were generally
without a significant scale of violence, and irregularities in some parts of
Nigeria, some people were resolved to undermine the will of Nigerians and
interfere with electoral processes, resorting to violence and voter intimidation.
She expressed the regret of the US over loss of lives and
property during the process, adding that violence and rigging was unacceptable
in a democratic electoral process.
She, however, commended the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) and its chairman, Attahiru Jega. She encouraged Nigeria and
other nations to continue to explore the use of relevant technologies in future
elections.
“Despite some technical glitches, it is clear that technology
and use of social media-INEC’s online posting of results for each polling unit,
live tweeting of results, the use of biometric permanent voter cards and
electronic card readers improved efficiency and limited fraud.”
“Now more than ever, it is up to all Nigerians to stay united
so that Nigeria can move forward with a clear set of priorities for the
future,” Thomas-Greenfield said.
She said the U.S. welcomed all commitments made by the
outgoing and the incoming Presidents towards a peaceful transition process.
“This next phase is critical as the world continues its
hopeful watch for what happens in Nigeria,” she added.
“Nigerian democracy will be a beacon across the continent and
beyond,” she said, adding that the US looked forward to the inauguration of
Muhammadu Buhari on May 29 which would signal the beginning of a new chapter of
the relationship between the two countries.
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