The Federal Government asserts that any action taken against those who undermine the nation’s democracy, which has been nurtured by the blood of many patriots, is appropriate and justifiable.
Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, said this on Monday in Abuja during the 20th edition of President Muhammadu Buhari’s (PMB) Administration Scorecard Series (2015-2023).
Mohammed was reacting to the United States’ decision to impose a visa restriction on those Nigerians thought to be responsible for or complicit in subverting democracy in Nigeria.
Antony Blinken, the Secretary of State of the United States, revealed the decision in a recent statement.
The minister reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to free, fair, and credible elections, as well as a seamless transfer to a successor elected by Nigerians on May 29.
“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.
“No President, since 1999, has been as unambiguous as President Muhammadu Buhari, in word, and indeed, with regards to leaving office after the constitutionally-stipulated two terms,” he said
According to the minister, President Buhari had given unprecedented support to INEC, including signing into law the Electoral Bill 2022, which was applauded by Nigerians.
He also reiterated the position of the government to conduct the general elections as planned and scheduled.
Mohammed said the scorecard series, during which ministers gave the giant strides of their ministries since 2015, was another indication of the administration’s determination to leave office on May 29, 2023.
According to him, the scorecard series was in essence, a presentation of the handover notes of the administration to those who elected them to office, as they prepare to leave in May.
“We have not been mired in any third-term controversy like was witnessed under the Peoples Democratic Party.
“In fact, we are creating the template on a smooth transition of power that will guide future administrations.
“Let those who undermine our democracy be sanctioned, and let them carry their own cross.
“As a government, we have no reason to worry because our hands are clean!” he said.
The U.S. Secretary of State, in the statement, had said his country was committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world.
He said: “Today, I am announcing visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process in a recent Nigerian election.
“Under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, these individuals will be found ineligible for visas to the United States under a policy to restrict visas of those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Nigeria.
“Certain family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions.”
Blinken added: “Additional persons who undermine the democratic process in Nigeria—including in the lead-up to, during, and following Nigeria’s 2023 elections—may be found ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy.
“The visa restrictions announced today are specific to certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the Government of Nigeria.
“The decision to impose visa restrictions reflects the commitment of the United States to support Nigerian aspirations to combat corruption and strengthen democracy and the rule of law.”