A former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has strongly criticised President Donald Trump of the United States over visa restrictions reportedly targeted at individuals allegedly involved in the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
ThelensNG reports that about three weeks ago, the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced visa restrictions on Nigerians and citizens of several other countries around the world over alleged religious prosecution.
President Trump had earlier described Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern”, referring it as a “disgraced country” over alleged violations of religious freedom.
Reacting to the development in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Sani argued that the U.S. President should have directed punishment at terrorists, not ordinary citizens and tourists.
“He called your country a ‘disgraced country’ and you celebrated him. Mind the statement, he didn’t say a disgraced government or a disgraced President. He insulted South Africa, they stood up to him. He slammed series of visa restrictions on Nigeria, but spared South Africa,” he decried.
Sani further questioned: “Who on earth would allow the sons and daughters of a ‘disgraced’ country visit or relocate to their ‘graceful’ country?”
The human rights activist noted that a man who curses an entire family cannot single out an individual from that family for honour.
According to him, the designation is not a Government of Particular Concern but a Country of Particular Concern, stressing that no Nigerian citizen is exempt from its implications.
“Instead of punishing terrorists, tourists are now punished,” he added, advising Nigerians that if they cannot visit Times Square, they can instead visit Obudu Mountain Resort.
