The United States might slam visa
restrictions on some Nigerian government officials in protest against
the state pardon granted a former Bayelsa State Governor Dieprieye
Alameiyeiseigha, and an ex-Managing Director of the defunct Bank of the
North, Mr. Shettima Bulama.
“You cannot blame the US and other western countries who are likely to side with it(US) because, they provide funding for training and other logistics to assist Nigeria deal with corruption.
A diplomatic source, who made this known
to The Punch in Abuja, said the US was miffed by the Federal
Government’s decision to summon its Deputy Head of Mission for flaying
the reprieve granted the two men.
He said, “There are a lot of options open
to Washington. For one, if this matter is not resolved, they can issue
visa restrictions on government officials and then follow it up with
other sanctions recognised within international law.”
The source said that Nigeria currently stands at a disadvantage should the visa restrictions be imposed.
He said, “Your country stands at a
disadvantage because international opinion weighs heavily against it
on this one(state pardon).
“Financial crime, especially money
laundering, is closely linked to drug trade and drug trade is linked to
terrorism; the whole world is affected by it.
“So, if any government is seen to be condoning financial crimes in any form, it stands the risk of international isolation.”
When contacted, a Public Affairs
Specialist at the US Embassy in Abuja, SaniMohammed, said, “ I am not
aware of anything like that (visa restrictions).”
A Presidency source, who pleaded
anonymity because he was not permitted to speak to the media on the
issue, revealed that proper consultations were not held before the
decision to pardon Alamieyeseigha and Shettima was taken.
The source said, “It is unfortunate that proper consultations were not held before the decision was taken.
“You cannot blame the US and other western countries who are likely to side with it(US) because, they provide funding for training and other logistics to assist Nigeria deal with corruption.
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