America’s Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Mr. Michael Gonzalez, speaking on behalf of the United States Government, has warned Nigerian politicians against promoting violence in the forthcoming general elections.
Driving the news
The US official stated that the United States government would impose visa restrictions on politicians caught instigating electoral violence. This policy, according to Mr. Michael Gonzalez, would discourage anyone who plans to use violence to gain any electoral position in the 2023 elections.
What you should know
- The deputy assistant pledged the United States government’s support in ensuring a smooth transition of power in 2023.
- In 2019, the United States government imposed its policy of visa restrictions on Nigerian politicians associated with electoral violence in the Kogi State and Bayelsa State elections.
- It also in the events leading up to the September Edo State and October Ondo State elections of 2020-imposed visa restrictions on Nigerians.
- In September 2020, the UK government said it would impose a visa ban, seize assets and prosecute electoral offenders under international laws.