Perhaps following the
success of the governorship elections in Edo state, South South Nigeria,
on September 19, the US government this morning issued a statement
that threatens stringent punishments for those who “undermine democracy
across Africa”.
Secretary of state Mike Pompeo said:”The
United States is committed to supporting free and fair elections,
including the upcoming elections across Africa. We will not hesitate to
consider consequences – including visa restrictions – for those who
undermine democracy.
Similarelections
come up this Saturday in Ondo state, Western Nigeria. Very often, those
polls are marked by killings, government thuggery and outright
rigging.
Prior to the
elections in Edo state for instance, the US government warned that it
would deal harshly with those who would try to interfere by way of
violence. While not perfect, the election turned out to be the most
peaceful, by Nigeria’s standards,in a long time.
Some
Nigerian politicians are already on visa bans for their roles in
previous polls. For this reason, the latest warning will be taken
seriously.