Civil Society Groups Urge U.S. to Ignore Visa Ban Petition Against Edo Governor

Civil Groups Urge U.S. to Ignore Visa Ban Petition Against Edo Governor

 Civil society organizations under the aegis of the Coalition for Justice and Equity Forum have called on the United States Government to disregard a petition seeking a visa ban on the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Monday Okpebholo.

The petition, allegedly filed by unnamed political actors, urges the U.S. to impose travel restrictions on Governor Okpebholo and members of his immediate family. If granted, the ban would prevent them from entering the United States.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and jointly signed by Comrade Peter Okafor, the Chairman, and Comrade Musa Ndanusa, the Secretary,the Coalition described the petition as politically motivated and aimed at undermining the governor’s achievements and developmental efforts in Edo State.

“It is important that foreign governments, including the United States, recognize the political undertones of such petitions. Otherwise, we risk encouraging undue external interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs,” the statement said.

The group warned that approving such a petition could set a dangerous precedent where international diplomatic actions are used as tools in local political rivalries.

While reiterating the importance of international accountability, the Coalition cautioned against the misuse of foreign policy instruments for partisan agendas.

“We support global standards for justice and human rights, but those standards must not be manipulated for political witch-hunts,” the group added.

The Coalition called on the U.S. Government to uphold principles of fairness and due process in dealing with petitions from politically sensitive environments.