The United Kingdom has note that although it respects Nigeria’s sovereignty, it also still reserves the right to determine who gets a visa.
British high commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, made this known yesterday, at an orientation programme for people with disability seeking Chevening scholarship opportunities in the UK.
Some weeks ago, the UK threatened to impose visa ban, among other sanctions on anybody found guilty of electoral violence in Nigeria.
Reacting, the Federal Government said the visa ban was disrespectful to Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Laing said the UK are pleased with the fact that the Nigerian government was following up on electoral malpractices, and praised the peaceful conduct of the September 19 election in Edo.
However, she explained that the issue of visa restriction on perpetrators of electoral violence was the UK’s policy.
“It is our visa policy, the UK, and we can determine who comes to the UK. So, that is a non-sovereign right,” she said.
“And all we are saying is that in line with the Nigerian policy, that those who commit violence or who incite violence, there may be an implication for that person when they apply for a visa to the UK.
“So, I think it is actually completely consistent with the Nigerian policy.
“This is our visa policy, but obviously, it is for Nigeria to determine how they deal with these perpetrators in Nigeria.”