UK to list electoral offenders, plans visa ban

The UK Minister of State for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell MP, said they were already collating names of perpetrators and would impose visa bans and other sanctions against politicians that engaged in electoral fraud and anti-democratic exercises.

In a statement by the British High Commission in Abuja on Wednesday, the individuals to be punished were those who engaged in violence and voter suppression in the governorship and state assembly elections in Nigeria.

Wakadaily earlier reported that the U.S denounced the heightened violence and voter intimidation that tainted the Governorship and Houses of Assembly elections on Saturday March 18.

The use of ethnically charged rhetoric before, during, and after the gubernatorial election in Lagos was particularly concerning.

following suit the British High Commission said, “These are positive markers to build on for future elections. However, there were notable points of concern. Members of our observation mission personally observed violence, and voter suppression in numerous voting locations.

“We witnessed and received credible reports from other observer missions and civil society organisations of vote buying and voter intimidation the destruction and hijacking of election materials and the general disruption of the process in numerous states including Lagos, Enugu and Rivers.

“In addition, we observed incidents of harassment of journalists. Freedom of speech and a free press are crucial for a healthy democracy, and journalists must be able to go about their work without being threatened.

“The UK is concerned by the use of inflammatory ethnoreligious language by some public and political figures.  We call on all leaders not just to distance themselves from this kind of language, but to prevent those who speak on their behalf from doing so in this way.

“It is a testament to their commitment to democracy that many Nigerians were prepared to vote despite being faced with intimidation and hostility.

“Mitchell MP, said on 21 February, that the UK is prepared to take action against those who engage in or incite electoral violence and other anti-democratic behaviours, and action could include preventing people from obtaining UK visas or imposing sanctions under our human rights sanctions regime.

“We can confirm that we are collating relevant information, with a view to taking action against some individuals.”

Chinyere Treasure Mbadiwe
Chinyere Treasure Mbadiwehttp://wakadaily.com
Chinyere Treasure Mbadiwe is the Co-founder and CEO of Wakadaily News. With a B.Sc. in Business Administration from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), she brings a wealth of leadership and strategic expertise to the platform. Chinyere is passionate about delivering high-quality, engaging news that informs and empowers audiences. Her vision for Wakadaily is to create a space where reliable, diverse, and impactful content connects people and fosters informed conversations.

Popular Related

IG mourns Ekiti monarch, DCP

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of two distinguished members of the police community: Retired...

How my first wife abused me in marriage – Pastor Olumide Emmanuel spills 

The General Overseer of the Calvary Church, Pastor Olumide Emmanuel, has revealed how his first wife repeatedly slap him during their 9 years of...

FULL LIST: Tinubu appoints new Service Chiefs, names Ribadu NSA

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed new Service Chiefs, Inspector-General of Police, Comptroller-General and Nigeria Customs Service. The president named a former Chairman of the Economic...

Tinubu reaffirms commitment to educate and protect every girl child in the nation

President Bola Tinubu has promised to address avoidable maternal deaths during childbirth and also guarantee that girls continue their education. The empowerment and care of...

Shortlisted candidates for the Nigeria Police recruitment moves to next stage

According to a statement released by the Police Service Commission on Saturday, 171, 956 qualified candidates from the screening phase of the ongoing police...

Sanwo-Olu appoints KWAM1’s daughter as SSA

Basirat Damilola Marshall, daughter of Fuji maestro, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, a.k.a KWAM1, have been appointed by the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu,...

FCT CP debunks rumor of trending robbery video in Abuja

The popular video purportedly showing thieves attacking drivers at traffic lights in Abuja has been debunked by FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ben Igweh. "Forensic...

Exercise not credible’ – Davido speaks on 2023 elections

Nigerian award winning singer, David Adeleke popularly known as Davido, said the 2023 presidential election was not credible. The 'Jawo' crooner stated this during an interview...

Oborevwori swears in Delta LG chairmen today

Sheriff Oborevwori, the Governor of Delta State, will swear in today ( Monday), in the elected chairmen of the 25 local government areas of...

Delta Killing: Reps committee on defence attends investigative hearing of military personnels killed during peacekeeping mission

In Warri, Delta State, on Wednesday, members of the House of Representatives Committee on Defense convened for the planned hearing into the deaths of...