Ebun Francis|
The federal government on Thursday said that it has learnt of the move by Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to lobby the US to lift the visa restriction on him but has cautioned against granting a visa to Atiku.
In the words of the federal government, such a move could create the false impression that it has endorsed the opposition candidate for the presidential elections scheduled for next year.
Nigeria minister of information, Lai Mohammed, stated this in Abuja on Thursday at an interactive session with media executives.
Lai noted that whereas it is the prerogative of the US to decide whom to grant a visa, it should, however, be mindful of the timing of its action.
Mohammed said, “We understand and appreciate the fact that it is the prerogative of the US to grant a visa to anyone who applies.”
“However, we want the US to be neutral and be wary of taking any decision that will give the impression that they are favouring or endorsing one candidate over the other
“Impression must not be created that the US government is endorsing one particular candidate over the other.”
“I am sure you will all recall the Jefferson’s case and the cold 90,000 US dollar in fridge,” he said.
“We are not unaware that Atiku has engaged the services of some lobbyists to persuade the US to issue a visa to him.
“Our position is that if the former Vice President is seeking the US visa we have no problem about it.
“However, we want the US government not to create the impression that it is endorsing one candidate over the other.”