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The United States Government has reiterated its decision to impose visa sanctions on persons believed to have encouraged violence through incitements or undue interference in the March 28 and April 11 general elections in Nigeria.
This was disclosed on Monday by Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs.
The US did not mention names but some political figures in the country made headlines by their inciteful comments. they include the First Lady, Patience Jonathan, a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, Rivers State Governor-elect, Nyesom Wike, Katsina State Governor, Ibrahim Shema, Oba of Lagos, ex- militants, Mujahid Asari-Dokubo and Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) among others.
In an article titled: “When Nigeria decides, Nigeria wins”, Thomas-Greenfield hailed Nigerians for participating peacefully and enthusiastically in the electoral process which culminated in the election of General Muhammadu Buhari of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) as president.
The Assistant Secretary of State, who was also one of the international observers that monitored the elections, noted the commitments made by President Goodluck Jonathan, who lost his reelection bid and Buhari to work together in order to ensure a peaceful and smooth transition to the new government. She warned Nigerians that the next phase will be critical.