The Federal Government says it is in support of the visa restrictions imposed by the United States of America on those undermining democracy in Nigeria.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Laid Mohammed, said this in Abuja yesterday during the 20th edition of the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration’s Scorecard Series (2015-2023).
He said: “Whatever action is taken against anyone who undermines this democracy that has been watered by the blood of many of our patriots is right and justified. For us as a government, we are proud to say that no Administration since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999 has shown more fidelity to the democratic process than ours, and no president since 1999 has been as unambiguous as President Muhammadu Buhari, in word and in deed, with regards to leaving office after the constitutionally-stipulated two terms.”
He said Buhari had left no one in doubt of his dogged determination to ensure free, fair and credible elections; hand over to a successor elected by Nigerians and return to his hometown of Daura after the May 29, 2023 handover date.
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He said the president had also given unprecedented support to the Independent National Electoral Commission and signed the Electoral Bill 2022 which Nigerians had hailed as a reason to have confidence in the electoral process.
The minister also restated the government’s stance that the 2023 general elections would be held as scheduled.
He said the administration was, therefore, proud that it had sent unambiguous signals to Nigerians “and indeed to the world that we’ll leave office come May 29, 2023.”
He stated: “We’ve not been mired in any third term controversy like was witnessed under the PDP. In fact, we’re creating the template on a smooth transition of power that will guide future administrations. Let those who undermine our democracy be sanctioned, and let them carry their own cross. As a government, we have no reason to worry because our hands are clean!”