
A former Senate President, Bukola Saraki has asked the United States Government to extend its visa ban to electoral officers, security officials and judicial officers who undermine the Nigeria’s democracy by their actions during and after elections.
He was reacting to the recent visa restriction slammed by US Government on some Nigerians who undermine the democracy especially during Kogi and Bayelsa gubernatorial elections.
He called on the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) to follow the footsteps of the US by placing similar bans on not just Nigerian politicians, but all security operatives, electoral officers and judges who undermine the democracy.
“The sanctions should go beyond politicians and include electoral officers, security officials and judicial officers who undermine our democracy by their actions during and after elections.”
Saraki said rigging an election is not only evident at the polls but extends to other areas such as the registration of voters, emergence of candidates, operations of political parties, preparations by the electoral commission, independence of the electoral commission and neutrality of the security agencies.
He also called for a speedy passage of the electoral act to improve the credibility of elections as well as an end to the “illegal interference in the electoral process by security agencies”.
“It is also important we come in strong in the enforcement of the provisions of the law which provides for punishment of politicians, law enforcement agents, ordinary citizens and electoral officers who are caught subverting the electoral process.”
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