The federal government says any action taken by the United States of America against anyone who undermines Nigerian democracy is right and justified.
Blueprint reports that the United States gavernment had in a statement signed by the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken announced visa restriction on Nigerians who “undermined” the country’s democracy, stressing that the ban was not targeted at the Nigerian people or the government but specific individuals.
Reacting to the US government decision at the 20th edition of the PMB administration score card in Àbuja on Monday, the Minister of Information Alhaji Lai Mohammed , said such the move is a welcome development.
The minister also reiterated the commitment of president Muhammadu Buhari to deepening democracy and handing over power after completing constitutionally recognize two terms.
He said: “Before I invite our Special Guest to the podium, let me respond to the numerous requests that we have received from the media on the decision by the United States of America to slam a visa ban on some Nigerians who are undermining democracy.
“Let me be clear: whatever action is taken against anyone who undermines this democracy that has been watered by the blood of many of our patriots is right and justified.
“For us as a government, we are proud to say that no Administration since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999 has shown more fidelity to the democratic process than ours, and no President since 1999 has been as unambiguous as President Muhammadu Buhari, in word and in deed, with regards to leaving office after the constitutionally-stipulated two terms.
“President Buhari has left no one in doubt of his dogged determination to ensure free, fair and credible elections, handover to a successor elected by Nigerians and then return to Daura after the May 29, 2023 handover date.
“As recently as this past Friday, when he visited the Emir of Daura, Mr. President still told the Emirate that he would return and settle down in Daura after handing over on May 29, 2023.
“The President has also given unprecedented support to INEC while also signing into law the Electoral Bill 2022 that Nigerians have hailed as a reason to have confidence in the electoral process.”
