U.S clears air on sanctioning CJN, other justices, amid visa ban claims

Amid wide reports of a visa ban on some top judges in Nigeria taking effect, the United States Government has denied making public travel restrictions on individuals, following the country’s earlier threat to ban some Nigerians indicted for electoral malpractices.

The stance by the United States Department of State followed reports which had claimed that Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola, and six other members of the Supreme Court of Nigeria were recently denied American visas to attend a seminar in the United States.

Others judges said to have also been denied visa include Justices Musa Dattijo Mohammed and Centus Nweze, both of the Supreme Court.

It would also be recalled that Justice Kudirat Kekere Ekun has been informed of her ban, which was placed even before the 2023 General Elections, and could be connected to her role in the controversial decision to declare Mr Hope Uzodimma as governor of Imo State Governor on March 9, 2019.

It would be recalled that United States Secretary of State, Mr Antony Blinken, in May, announced imposition of travel restrictions on Nigerians indicted on charges of electoral malpractices during the 2023 General Elections in Nigeria.

The U.S statement titled; “Taking Steps to Impose Visa Restrictions on Individuals Involved in Undermining the Democratic Process During Nigeria’s 2023 Elections Cycle,” is also seen as fulfillment of an earlier promise by the U.S government back in March, this year, when it threatened to impose visa restrictions, among others on those who disrupt the democratic process in the country in the elections.

“The United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world. Today, I am announcing that we have taken steps to impose visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process during Nigeria’s 2023 elections cycle. These actions are specific to certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the Government of Nigeria as a whole.

“Under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, these individuals will be subject to restrictions on visas to the United States under a policy covering those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy. These individuals have been involved in intimidation of voters through threats and physical violence, the manipulation of vote results, and other activity that undermines Nigeria’s democratic process.

“The decision to take steps to impose visa restrictions reflects the continued commitment of the United States to support Nigerian aspirations to strengthen democracy and the rule of law,” Blinken said.

It would be recalled that the U.S government had in March, this year, expressed displeasure over what it described as ‘disturbing acts of violent voter intimidation and suppression that took place during those polls in Lagos, Kano, and other states’ arising from the February 25 presidential and March 11 governorship and state Assembly elections, across the country.

The US in reaction promised to take action by way of visa ban, among others, on those indicted in the acts.

Meanwhile, reacting to reports of a visa ban on some Nigerian judges, the US State department, maintained that the country ‘does not publicly announce visa bans on individuals, and any such ban would be a private matter.’

“We have read this tweet claiming that the U.S. government has imposed a visa ban on the Chief Justice of Nigeria and six other Supreme Court members.

“We would like to clarify that this claim is false. The U.S. government does not publicly announce visa bans on individuals, and any such ban would be a private matter.

“We urge the public to be discerning when encountering information online and to only share content from reliable sources. We are committed to combating the spread of fake news and ensuring that accurate information is accessible to the public.

“Regarding visa restrictions, the U.S. government has established procedures to safeguard the privacy and rights of individuals subject to such restrictions. These procedures are in place to ensure that individuals’ rights are protected and that information about visa restrictions is not disclosed without their consent.

“While we understand that this situation may cause different reactions, we believe it is essential to respect the privacy of individuals affected by visa restrictions. Simultaneously, we are committed to providing accurate information about visa restrictions to the public,” the statement read.