USA: Visa Ban Against Corrupt Nigerian Politicians Is Most Commendable

 USA: Visa Ban Against Corrupt Nigerian Politicians Is Most Commendable

Any country that is barren of visionary leaders and integrity will hardly expertise stability and peace. Leaders with vision inspire voters and mobilize them for nation building. Leaders with crystal motives use knowledge, foresight, sense of purpose and commitment to impress a nation towards self-actualization and propel the national spirit in them. History contributes quite a few outstanding leaders who are true heroes of their time, who set both ethical and political tones for their societies. 

Wherever public figures exemplify the sterling qualities of leadership, they abrase on the society massively and invest on voters with the flag-waving fervor. However in African nations, rustic suffering from villain leadership, wherever such is dominated by treasury plundering, election rigging, political brigandage and assignation exist. In such places, public spirited people in the area or unit get disparaged and discouraged from taking part within the resultant dirty politics. 

Several, with unselfish intentions who venture and find themsleves being horribly compromised, become part of the bandwagon and in such, seem to be a form of government that is dominated by greedy components. Such characters although look as if they would pursue politics with blood-minded loyalty which cannot give what it takes to steer a rustic situation to peace and prosperity.

The lives of Nigerians have continuously been defeated by deterioration in safety/security, manifested in erratic violence, stickup, arson, politically impelled assassinations, large youth state and bitter poorveey. Ours remains a rustic wherever millions area unit beneath nourished, wherever economic, education, health and social infrastructures, greatly tottering. In differentiation from the current national situations, is political leadership category that wallows in money and economic constipation and self-adulation.

we have a tendency to area units, more sick and worn-out of a democracy that has incontestable  to be worse than the military. If our political leaders linger in their ride of corruption, misrule, plundering and failure to safeguard their fellow citizens, the rising tendency is to survive at all cost while the government hopelessly push the society more apart.

But to God be all the glory that we are not left to be killed by the corrupt Nigerian politicians who prefer robbing our souls with acidic salt. The United States of America has always been one amongst few that God has been using to save us from these vampires. The banning of some some of these politicians is a welcome development and essentially, the right thing to do.

According to Morgan Ortagus, the US Department Spokesperson in his press statement, he said: “The United States is a steadfast supporter of Nigerian democracy. We commend all those Nigerians who participated in the elections throughout 2019 and have worked to strengthen the Nigerian democratic institutions and processes. We remain committed to working together to advance democracy, respect for human rights and achieve greater peace and prosperity for both our nations. We condemn the acts of violence, intimidation or corruption that harm Nigerians and undermine the democratic process. 

As the Edo/Ondo States off-cycle elections get conducted, we urge all stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission, the political parties, and the security services, to uphold the tenet of democracy and facilitate genuinely, free and fair elections conducted in an appropriately transparent and non-violent manner”.

“In a statement on January 24, 2019, the U.S. Government said: "we would consider consequences including visa restrictions for individuals responsible for undermining the Nigerian democratic process or for organizing election-related violence. In July 2019, we announced the imposition of visa restrictions on Nigerians who undermined the February and March 2019 elections. Today, the Secretary of State is imposing additional visa restrictions on individuals for their actions surrounding the November 2019 Kogi/Bayelsa State elections and in the run up to the September and October 2020 Edo/Ondo States elections. These individuals have so far operated with impunity at the expense of the Nigerian people and have undermined democratic principles"

The Department of State emphasized that the actions announced were specific to certain individuals and not directed at the Nigerian people. This decision reflects the Department of State’s commitment to working with the Nigerian government to realize it's expressed commitment to end corruption and strengthen democracy, accountability and respect for human rights”, Morgan concluded. This is a very good action and other countries that believe in human right and peace should follow suit.

Written by Obulose Chidiebere

Edited by Elemeghideonye Nnamdi Stephen

For Family Writers Press International