US Reiterates Commitment To Ban Orubebe, Wike, Asari-Dokubo, Tompolo, Others Over Electoral Violence, Disruption Of Poll

Source: thewillnigeria.com

BEVERLY HILLS, April 20, (THEWILL) – A former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, Rivers State Governor-elect, Nyesom Wike, former militant commanders, Mujahid Asari-Dokubo and Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) and several other persons who either incited violence or interfered with the electoral process during the last general elections will be banned from entering the United States and subjected to visa sanctions, the United States Government reiterated on Monday.

Though the U.S government did not specifically name those it intends to punish for their actions before, during and after the elections, Orubebe, Wike, Tompolo, Asari-Dokubo, first lady Patience Jonathan, Katsina State Governor, Ibrahim Shema and several other major political actors made national news headlines by their heated comments and actions.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, who disclosed this in an article Monday captioned “When Nigeria decides, Nigeria wins”, hailed Nigerians for participating peacefully and enthusiastically in the electoral process which culminated in the election of General Muhammadu Buhari of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) as president.

The Assistant Secretary of State, who was also one of the international observers that monitored the elections, noted the commitments made by President Goodluck Jonathan, who lost his reelection bid and Buhari to work together in order to ensure a peaceful and smooth transition to the new government. She warned Nigerians that the next phase will be critical.

The full text of her article reads:
When Nigeria Decides, Nigeria Wins
Now more than ever, it is up to all Nigerians to stay united so that Nigeria can move forward with a clear set of priorities for the future. We welcome the commitments made by both President Goodluck Jonathan and President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari to work closely together in order to ensure a smooth transition to the new government.

This next phase is critical as the world continues its hopeful watch for what happens in Nigeria. Indeed, because Nigerians showed up, stood in line, and respected the results of elections even when they may have disagreed with the outcome, Nigeria will serve as an example to other African countries and nations elsewhere in the world preparing for elections. Nigerian democracy will be a beacon across the continent and beyond.

With deep appreciation for the long friendship and partnership between our two great countries, the United States looks forward to the inauguration on May 29 and the beginning of a new chapter in our relationship.