The United States has threatened to sanction the people who attempt to undermine Nigeria’ s democratic process.
This information was made to the public by Rolf Olson, the political counselor at the United States Embassy in Nigeria on Thursday while he was delivering a speech at the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship alumni association seminar.
Olson stated that sanctions will be imposed on any individuals who undermined the forthcoming election.
He stated that the United States Government expected all Nigerians to reject the use of violence and inflammatory speech during the election period.
He said, ” When we say all Nigerians, we mean all: politicians, candidates, students, leaders of religious, traditional, community, youth, and business organizations and entities– everyone has a role to play in this effort.
” Even a small number of troublemakers can cause substantial havoc to an election. It takes a comprehensive effort to try to eliminate the use of violence and inflammatory rhetoric.
” Individuals seeking to undermine the democratic process, including through violence, may be found ineligible for visas to the United States.
” We have imposed visa restrictions in the past against those responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process, and remain fully willing to do so again in the context of the upcoming elections. “
