Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has called for more visa bans on Nigerian public officials, urging Western and European nations to intensify restrictions as a tool for accountability.
Effiong made his remarks on Friday while supporting the recent decision by the Canadian embassy to deny visas to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other senior military officers.
According to Effiong, visa bans are more effective than any other sanction in holding Nigerian officials accountable, particularly those implicated in corruption and human rights violations.
“Nothing hurts them more than denying them entry into countries where sanity prevails,” Effiong stated on social media.
He argued that many Nigerian public officials enjoy the benefits of good governance abroad while failing to implement the same standards at home.
“They love the benefits of good governance abroad, which they’ve denied Nigerians of,” Effiong added.
Canada’s Visa Ban Sparks Controversy
Effiong’s comments come amid growing controversy surrounding Canada’s refusal to grant visas to General Musa and other Nigerian military officials.
Musa disclosed during a security lecture in Abuja on Thursday that his team had been invited to an event in Canada to honour war veterans, but half of the delegation was denied visas.
“Yesterday, I was meant to be in Canada for an event to honour our veterans, those injured in battle. We were invited with our team, but half were denied visas. It’s very disappointing,” Musa revealed.
His remarks triggered a wave of reactions, with many questioning the diplomatic implications of Canada’s decision.
Nigerian Government Reacts
Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, condemned the visa denial, describing it as disrespectful to Nigeria and its citizens.
The Interior Minister also voiced his displeasure and hinted at possible retaliatory measures.
However, the Canadian High Commission in Nigeria maintained its stance, citing privacy reasons for not commenting on individual visa applications.
“The High Commission of Canada in Nigeria is aware of media reports related to planned travel to Canada by senior officials. However, for privacy reasons, we are unable to provide any comment on the status of visa applications of specific individuals,” the Commission said in a statement.
Effiong’s Call for Broader Sanctions
Effiong’s call for more visa restrictions goes beyond the military officers affected by the Canadian decision.
He urged other Western and European countries to adopt similar measures against Nigerian public officials as a form of deterrence against poor governance.
“Western and European countries should impose more visa restrictions on Nigerian public officials. Nothing hurts them more than denying them entry into countries where sanity prevails,” Effiong stated.
Visa Bans as an Accountability Measure
Effiong argued that visa bans are an effective accountability measure because they target the personal privileges of public officials without directly affecting ordinary Nigerians.
He noted that many Nigerian leaders frequently travel abroad for medical care, education, and luxury vacations while neglecting the country’s healthcare, educational systems, and infrastructure.
“Denying them access to these benefits abroad will force them to confront the consequences of their governance at home,” Effiong argued.
Historical Context of Visa Bans on Nigerian Officials
Visa bans as a form of diplomatic pressure are not new. In recent years, countries like the United States and the United Kingdom have imposed travel restrictions on Nigerian political figures accused of electoral fraud and corruption.
In 2020, the U.S. imposed visa bans on individuals accused of undermining Nigeria’s democratic process during the Kogi and Bayelsa state elections.
Similarly, the UK threatened to impose visa bans on those involved in electoral malpractice during Nigeria’s 2023 general elections.
Effiong believes that expanding such measures to include officials accused of human rights abuses and poor governance would send a stronger message.
Public Reactions and Political Implications
Effiong’s comments have sparked debates among Nigerians, with many expressing support for his stance.
Social media users argued that visa bans would pressure public officials to prioritize good governance, while others cautioned that such measures could strain diplomatic relations.
Political analysts believe that the growing trend of visa restrictions signals increasing international scrutiny of Nigerian leaders.
