Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The United Kingdom (UK), yesterday, said it is reviewing the 2019 election and will take action on visa restriction accordingly.
The UK, however, said it will take action on visa restriction without making reference to individual cases.
Senior Communications Officer, Press and Public Affairs, British High Commission, Abuja, TinuOluwa Adelegan, made the disclosure in Abuja.
“The UK takes a strong stand against election-related violence, and issued a statement before the elections reminding all Nigerians of our visa policy. This includes the right to refuse visas to enter the UK; for those responsible for electoral violence.
“We are currently reviewing events around the elections on 23 February and 9 March, and will do so for any re-runs and supplementary elections. UK data protection laws means that we will not at any stage comment further on individual cases,” the United Kingdom said.
Prior to the commencement of the 2019 elections, the UK, along with the United States of America, had warned would-be election offenders in the country about visa restriction, including their relatives.
The UK said: “We will be deploying extensive observation mission for the forthcoming elections, including coordinating with the EU’s Election Observation Mission. Our monitors will in particular be looking out for any attempts to encourage or use violence to influence the elections, including on social media.
“We would like to remind all Nigerians that where the UK is aware of such attempts, this may have consequences for individuals. These could include their eligibility to travel to the UK, their ability to access UK based funds or lead to prosecution under international law.”
Last week, the UK restated its earlier warning and reminded all actors that anyone involved in violence or inciting violence, including on social media, could face restrictions on their ability to travel to the UK.