The thrust of this directive, apparently, is targeted at the 13 or so countries that are on the 'dreaded' 'terror watch list' as drawn up by the American authorities. That the new policy emanates from the highest authority is an indication of the seriousness with which America continues to take perceived terrorist threats, and how far and wide its government will go to protect its citizens, and understandably so. In fairness, neither the concern nor the effort may be faulted.
Considering the target group of the presidential directive, this is a sad development for Nigeria as her citizens' request for U.S. entry visas are very likely to face even tougher hurdles; in truth part of a widening range of U.S. pressures on the country. But not the U.S. alone, even other Western countries now subject Nigerians to humiliating treatment in the name of counter-terrorist measures. In sum, we may be up against an increasingly contemptuous and/or hostile global community, and for reasons that are largely, though not wholly, justified.
Having, in recent times said so in both words and action, through various high officials of state, America appears to be sending further message that this country must get its acts together and get serious about many things not the least, religion-driven violence. There is no denying the woeful failure of the Nigerian government to address in a forceful and open manner, the religious strife that erupts every once in a while in the Northern part of the country.
The world takes note that culprits are arrested but never have their day in court, ring leaders-cum preachers are summarily executed, the case drags on into lost memory - until the next trouble breaks out with the attendant loss of many lives, the destruction of property, and the personal and national trauma. In this specific regard, the time has come for a clear and firmly enforced regulation of religious preaching and who qualifies to do it. For too long, anyone claiming whatever credentials could claim to be a preacher and begin to promote narrow, sometimes heretical interpretations of the holy books. And, as the country reels from one trauma to another, there is no defined leadership to hold responsible. The leaders of the various faiths in the country must pay close attention to the kind of doctrines that the preachers espouse.
The whole Nigerian story is not only about religious violence, of one or two misguided youths, nor about political and financial corruption. It is also about the many adults who speak up - even take to the streets - against bad governance, about young people defying great odds at home and abroad and who are good and useful citizens wherever they find themselves. The majority of Nigerians are peace-loving. To institute a tougher visa policy on all citizens of countries on that watch list, to seek to humiliate the many for the sins of a few, would be a grave error - as it would be very unfair indeed. One, there must be a better way to check terrorism without aggravating the sensibilities of honest, decent peoples and we urge the Obama administration to reconsider the visa policy.
Two, it is reported that the idea has been suggested that Nigerians, alongside citizens of those countries on 'the U.S. terrorism watch list' be denied multiple entry visas. This would not just be humiliating to Nigerians, but considered as most unfriendly. And were it to come into effect, the Federal Government must respond by activating the principle of reciprocity. The government should not hesitate to stand up for Nigerians and protect their best interests.
Source: Guardian
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