Presidency reacts first time as US plans to extend travel ban to Nigeria, 3 other African countries
Thu Jan 23, 2020 07:56:am National
1.2K By Afam Jude Offor
The reported plan by the United States government to slam a travel ban on Nigeria and some other countries is still speculative and does not require a reaction yet, the presidency has said.
According to Garba Shehu, spokesperson to President Muhammadu Buhari, noted that though the Nigerian authorities are aware of the report that Nigeria is listed among the country to face such sanction, it would not say anything until it becomes formal. Apart from Nigeria, other countries listed are Belarus, Myanmar, Sudan, Eritrea, Tanzania and Kyrgyzstan Daily Sun quoted Shehu as saying the presidency read about the plan by Donald Trump's government. He said: "We are not going to react to speculations. We urge you to wait for us to see what unfolds under the new policy, its scope, its reach, the implications and its consequences before we react." However, Afenifere has alleged that the activities of Boko Haram and killer herdsmen are responsible for the decision of the US to include Nigeria in the list of countries whose citizens would be restricted from getting its visa. The report said while Yinka Odumakin of Afenifere, Yoruba's socio-political organisation, attributes the proposed to insecurity in the country, an elder statesman, Tanko Yakassai, wants the Nigerian government to retaliate if it happens. Yakassai expressed shock at the plan adding that the US is yet to issue any explanations for the proposed action. He said even though Nigeria is a developing country and as such has limitations, its government can also begin to examine areas where it can retaliate.
According to Garba Shehu, spokesperson to President Muhammadu Buhari, noted that though the Nigerian authorities are aware of the report that Nigeria is listed among the country to face such sanction, it would not say anything until it becomes formal. Apart from Nigeria, other countries listed are Belarus, Myanmar, Sudan, Eritrea, Tanzania and Kyrgyzstan Daily Sun quoted Shehu as saying the presidency read about the plan by Donald Trump's government. He said: "We are not going to react to speculations. We urge you to wait for us to see what unfolds under the new policy, its scope, its reach, the implications and its consequences before we react." However, Afenifere has alleged that the activities of Boko Haram and killer herdsmen are responsible for the decision of the US to include Nigeria in the list of countries whose citizens would be restricted from getting its visa. The report said while Yinka Odumakin of Afenifere, Yoruba's socio-political organisation, attributes the proposed to insecurity in the country, an elder statesman, Tanko Yakassai, wants the Nigerian government to retaliate if it happens. Yakassai expressed shock at the plan adding that the US is yet to issue any explanations for the proposed action. He said even though Nigeria is a developing country and as such has limitations, its government can also begin to examine areas where it can retaliate.
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