It is no longer news that the United States of America (USA) has slammed visa ban on some notable Nigerian politicians for undermining electoral process in the aftermath of Kogi and Bayelsa gubernatorial elections. Immediately after Secretary of State, Mikel Please, announced the sad development, the Kogi state governor wrote a protest letter to the US embassy, expressing disappointment with the decision.
The state government denied any wrong doing for aiding or abetting any actions that might have undermined the successful conduct of election as alleged by the US government.
The state government also chided the US for releasing the damning allegation without fair hearing from the accused. While the allegations and furore generated rage, the United Kingdom (UK) issued another threat of visa restrictions and asset forfeiture for election riggers or manipulators in the country. The British high commissioner to Nigeria Catriona laing, said in a statement on Tuesday that the UK values Nigerian democracy and thus will not condone any violent acts that may undermine the democratic process in the coming elections.
Catriona also stated, “UK as a friend and partner of Nigeria is closely following the lead up to off cycle governorship elections in Edo and Ondo”,
The British high commissioner who met the leaders of ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and main opposition (PDP) on Monday last week, reminded the politicians apart from their assets being seized in the UK, they could be prosecuted. This could include restriction on their eligibility to travel to UK, access to UK based asset or prosecution under international law.
The US and UK traveling ban came amidst growing concern of electoral violence. The last November elections conducted by INEC in Kogi and Bayelsa states were said to have been marred by violence. Nigeria has a chequered history of electoral imperfections. After the first and second republic were terminated by military regime,the country in 1993 was opportune to acclaim free and fair elections in which late Moshood Abiola won. With the introduction of electronic voting in 2015, the incidence of multiple voting and ballot box snatching were minimised.
However, indications are that the gains recorded in our reformed electoral process that led to the success of 2015 elections would be eroded. I think the outcome of the last Kogi and Bayelsa elections did not impress both the US and UK, hence the warning.
The desperation of our political class or ruling elite to perpetuate themselves in power against democratic norms has also angered the international community. With the Edo and Ondo elections which may witness violence unless electorate’s wishes are respected, the traveling restrictions or ban have come at a right time. Even with no visa ban, Nigeria’s 20 years of democracy should be at par with its contemporaries. Further more, the travel ban should serve as a wake up call to those who want to undermine the country’s democracy.
Ibrahim Mustapha,Pambegua, Kaduna state. 08169056963.
