Femi Fani-Kayode, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has shared his thoughts following the recent imposition of a visa ban by the United States on Nigerian politicians and individuals involved in undermining the 2023 elections.
News About Nigeria reports that in response, Fani-Kayode expressed his belief that the US has the right to impose such a ban, as it is their prerogative to do so within their own country.
Fani-Kayode emphasized that Nigerians should not be overly concerned about this development.
He highlighted that the Nigerian people, a sovereign nation with a strong voice, have already exercised their democratic rights by participating in free, fair, and credible elections.
He confidently stated that the elected President and Governors will be inaugurated in accordance with the law at the end of the month.
The APC chieftain stressed that any claims of election rigging or democracy being undermined should be left to Nigerian election tribunals and courts to determine, based on the presentation and examination of evidence.
He dismissed the idea that distant and potentially biased foreign governments or powers should be the judges of Nigeria’s electoral processes.
Furthermore, Fani-Kayode proposed that the Nigerian government should consider implementing a reciprocal visa ban on nationals from countries that have imposed similar measures.
He argued that foreign policy should be founded on equality among nations and the principle of reciprocity.
He called for the Nigerian government to take action against any foreign citizens or entities involved in undermining democracy or rigging elections, not only in Nigeria but also in any country worldwide over the past 25 years.
He emphasized the importance of courage, equity, justice, fairness, and mutual respect in international relations.
Fani-Kayode drew attention to the irony of the situation, highlighting that the President of Nigeria, whose government issued the visa ban, has himself faced accusations of election rigging from his predecessor and many fellow citizens.
This observation underscores the complexity of the issue and raises questions about the selective nature of the visa ban.
The APC chieftain highlighted the changing global landscape, where double standards, neo-colonialism, pseudo-imperialism, and interference by powerful countries are becoming less tolerable.
He criticized the practice of imposing a “paternalistic foreign policy,” as famously described by Lord Palmerston, a former British Foreign Minister in the 18th century.
Fani-Kayode asserted that African leaders, including Nigerian leaders, are no longer subservient or easily intimidated.
He stated that they no longer seek validation from ill-informed and self-interested foreign officials.
He rejected the notion that Africans would compromise their values or sell their souls for meager rewards or fall prey to fear.
