Visa Ban: “It Is a Non-Sovereign Right.” – Response Of UK Govt To FG…
The UK Government has fired back at the Nigeria Government over its reaction to the Visa Ban placed on some politicians in the country.
UK in its statement noted that it is surprised that President Muhammadu Buhari-led government would consider disrespectful to Nigeria’s sovereignty, for any outside authority to punish it’s citizen with visa restriction due to their conduct.
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, stated this while speaking at an orientation programme for people with disability seeking Chevening scholarship opportunities in the United Kingdom.
Laing made it clear the issue of visa restriction on perpetrators of electoral violence was the UK’s visa policy and they determine who travels to the country.
“It is our visa policy, the UK, and we can determine who comes to the UK. So, that is a non-sovereign right.”
“And all we are saying is that in line with Nigerian policy, that those who commit violence or who incite violence, there may be an implication for that person when they apply for a visa in the UK.”
“So, I think it is actually completely consistent with the Nigerian policy. This is our visa policy, but obviously, it is for Nigeria to determine how they deal with these perpetrators in Nigeria,” Laing said.
