A coalition of civil society organizations under the aegis of the Coalition for Justice and Equity Forum has called on the United States Government to disregard a petition reportedly seeking a visa ban on the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
According to Hobnob News, the petition—allegedly filed by unnamed political actors—appeals to U.S. authorities to impose travel restrictions on Governor Okpebholo and members of his immediate family, which would bar them from entering the United States.
In a statement 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 developmental strides 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 read.
The coalition warned that approving such a petition could set a dangerous precedent, where international diplomatic instruments are weaponized in local political rivalries.
While acknowledging the importance of global accountability, the group cautioned against the manipulation of foreign policy tools for partisan purposes.
“We support global standards for justice and human rights, but those standards must not be manipulated for political witch-hunts,” the statement continued.
The Coalition for Justice and Equity Forum therefore urged the U.S. Government to uphold principles of fairness, transparency, and due process in handling petitions from politically sensitive environments, such as Nigeria.
Governor Okpebholo, a former senator, assumed office earlier this year following a court ruling that nullified the previous gubernatorial election in Edo State. His administration has since launched several developmental projects across health, education, and infrastructure sectors.
