UK compiling list of Nigeria’s election riggers as US threatens same
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
A list of election riggers and their facilitators in Nigeria is being compiled for visa ban by the United Kingdom, British Minister of State for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell MP, has disclosed.
Ben Llewellyn-Jones, British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, confirmed on Nigeria Info FM at the weekend between five and 10 people are already on the list, and counting.
In a separate announcement, the British High Commission quoted Mitchell as saying action will be taken against those who engaged in or incited violence during the 2023 elections.
The High Commission said the UK is already collating the names of perpetrators and would impose sanctions “including 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,” the High Commission announced in a statement.
It said it deployed observers in six states during the election and noted “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 is crucial for a healthy democracy, and journalists must be able to go about their work without being threatened.”
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US repeats visa ban warning to election riggers in Nigeria
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Concern over use of inflammatory language
“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,” the High Commission said, per Vanguard reporting.
“It is a testament to their commitment to democracy that many Nigerians were prepared to vote despite being faced with intimidation and hostility.
“We urge any party or individual who wishes to challenge the process or outcome of the elections to do so peacefully and through the appropriate legal channels. We will be observing the course of legal challenges made.
“The 2023 elections are not only important to Nigeria and Nigerians but also to Africa and the world as a whole.
“As a long-term partner, the UK is committed to strengthening the ties between our countries and peoples, including by supporting democratic development.’’
