WASHINGTON has said it will deny an entry visa to any Nigerian politician who is involved in the perpetuation of electoral violence in the forthcoming elections as part of its contribution to ensure the polls are rancour free. On February 14, Nigeria will hold presidential elections and on the 28th, the 36 states will elect their governors in what will be the tightest race since the return to democracy in 1999. Trying to do its bit to ensure the polls go ahead as planned and are free and fair, the US sent secretary of state John Kerry to Lagos yesterday to meet with President Goodluck Jonathan and his main challenger General Muhammadu Buhari. During the talks, Mr Kerry pressed the government to ensure the elections go ahead as scheduled, saying any postponement would send out the wrong message. He added that the elections are an exercise that is critical to the survival of the country and one that reaffirms Nigeria's place on the world map. During separate talks with President Goodluck Jonathan and his People's Democratic Party (PDP) officials and General Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Kerry emphasises the need for a violence-free election and also discussed bilateral relations. Mr Kerry pointed out that election violence perpetrators would not be ineligible for US visas in a new measure introduced against every anti-democratic tendency. Mr Kerry said: “The fact is that one of the best ways to fight back Boko Haram and similar groups is by protecting the peaceful, credible and transparent elections that are essential to any thriving democracy. And certainly, it is essential to the largest democracy in Africa and it’s imperative that these elections happen on time as scheduled. "There have been improvements over past elections and a need to set new standards for this democracy, which means that Nigerians do not only have to reject violence but they have to actually promote peace. So, let me be clear, anyone who participates in, plans or calls for widespread or systematic violence against the civilian population must be held accountable including being ineligible for an American visa." According to Mr Kerry, the US will continue to support the Nigerian military in its fight against Boko Haram. He added that Nigeria is increasingly important, strategic partner for the US and has a critical role to play in the security and prosperity of the African continent and beyond.
President Goodluck Jonathan welcoming the United States Secretary of States, John Kerry to the State House, Marina in Lagos on Sunday.
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