Nigerian Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has supported the decision by the United States of America to slam a visa ban on some Nigerians who attempt to undermine democracy especially this forthcoming general elections.
Alhaji Mohammed who made this known at the 20th Edition of PMB Administration Scorecard Series on Monday, stated that whatever action is taken against such person or group who want to undermine the democracy that has been watered by the blood of many patriots is right and justified.
The United States of America, recently, announced visa restrictions on some Nigerians accused of undermining democracy, according to Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, who said the sanctioned individuals, whose names he did not reveal, would be ineligible for visas.
He explained further that some family members of those barred from the country might also be subjected to the same restriction. “We are committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world”, Blinken said.
The Minister who is proud to say that no Administration since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999 showed more fidelity to democratic process than the present one, adding uyg that 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.
He said the President 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.
According to him, “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”, the Minister said.
Alhaji Mohammed reminded Nigerians of the Federal Government’s firm response on this same podium on Jan. 10th 2023 to inquiries from the media over a widely-circulated report, credited to an INEC official, that the 2023 general elections face a serious threat of cancellation due to insecurity.
“We said and I quote, ”the position of the Federal Government remains that the 2023 elections will be held as planned. Nothing has happened to change that position. End of quote”.
He noted that the Scorecard Series is
another indication of the Admin’s determination to leave office on May 29, 2023. “With our Honourable Ministers telling Nigerians what we have done since assuming office in 2015, we are in essence presenting our handover notes to those who elected us as an Administration as we prepare to leave in May.
“We are therefore proud that we have sent unambiguous signals to our people and indeed to the world that we will leave office come May 29, 2023. We have not been mired in any third term controversy like was witnessed under the PDP”.
The Minister pointed out that the administration is 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.