US to ban Electoral offenders in Nigeria

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The United States will sanction anybody involved in violence during the March 28 and April 11 elections.

The US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who stated this in an opinion on Monday, also described Nigeria as leader of democracy in Africa.



She stated, ?Some individuals worked to undermine the will of the Nigerian people, interfering with electoral processes and resorting to violence and voter intimidation.

?We regret any loss of life and destruction of property. As Secretary (John) Kerry said when he visited Nigeria in January, violence and rigging have no place in democratic elections.

?Anyone found to have incited violence or interfered with electoral processes will be unwelcome in the United States and subject to visa sanctions.?

Commending Nigerians, she added, ?By participating peacefully and enthusiastically in the recent electoral processes in March and April, millions of you stood strong to re-affirm Nigeria as a leader for democracy in Africa?and around the world.?

Thomas-Greenfield congratulating Nigerians and the Independent National Electoral Commission on the April 11 vote, which built upon the earlier successes in March.

She noted that many Nigerians waited for hours to cast their ballots and see their votes counted.

The assistant secretary said, ?Elections are ultimately about people ? the volunteers and poll workers, who manage polling stations; the party candidates and supporters, who craft policies and political platforms; the civil society activists, who work for transparency; the journalists, who report on the campaigns and events on election day; the political leaders, who accept victory or concede defeat, especially when stepping down, is in the country?s best interest.?

According to her, under INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega?s steadfast leadership, the staff of INEC succeeded in conducting a generally smooth electoral process and making improvements on the exercise between March 28 and April 11.