Catriona Laing, the British high commissioner to Nigeria has reacted to the federal government’s statement on UK government’s threat of visa restriction on perpetrators of electoral violence.

Speaking at an orientation programme for people with disability seeking Chevening scholarship opportunities in the UK on Thursday September 24, Laing said the issue of visa restriction on perpetrators of electoral violence was her country’s policy.

The high commissioner who expressed surprise with the federal government’s reaction to the the visa restriction threat, stated that prior to the 2019 general election the federal government welcomed its policy.

Laing said;

“It is our visa policy, the UK, and we can determine who comes to the UK. So, that is a non-sovereign right.

“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.”

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