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Abuja, Nigeria – July 24, 2025
A coalition of civil society organizations, under the banner of the Coalition for Justice and Equity Forum, has urged the United States Government to disregard a petition seeking a visa ban against the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Monday Okpebholo.
According to a statement jointly signed by the group’s Chairman, Comrade Peter Okafor, and Secretary, Comrade Musa Ndanusa, the petition — allegedly filed by unnamed political actors — is a politically charged ploy intended to derail the developmental efforts and growing achievements of the Okpebholo administration in Edo State.
“The petition is not only malicious but a blatant attempt to weaponize international diplomacy to score local political points,” the statement reads. “Governor Okpebholo has shown leadership, accountability, and a genuine commitment to advancing the well-being of the people of Edo State. Targeting him with a visa ban under the guise of unsubstantiated allegations is both unfair and damaging.”
The petition in question reportedly calls for travel restrictions against the governor and his immediate family members, which, if enacted, would prohibit them from entering the United States.
However, the Coalition stressed that the United States and other foreign governments must be cautious not to allow themselves to be dragged into Nigeria’s internal political battles.
“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 group warned.
They further cautioned that acting on politically motivated petitions could set a troubling precedent where diplomatic tools are abused for electoral or partisan gains. The group emphasized that international policies and sanctions must be rooted in verifiable facts and clear violations, not on conjecture or politically orchestrated narratives.
“We support global standards for justice and human rights, but those standards must not be manipulated for political witch-hunts,” the Coalition stated.
While reiterating their support for global norms of transparency and human rights, the Coalition insisted that the U.S. must uphold the principles of fairness, due process, and non-interference, especially in situations emerging from politically sensitive environments.
The civil society forum also urged other international partners and diplomatic missions in Nigeria to exercise due diligence in vetting politically inclined petitions and ensure they do not become inadvertent tools of political destabilization.
Governor Okpebholo, who assumed office amid a wave of political realignment in Edo State, has been praised by various stakeholders for his efforts in infrastructure, education, and rural development. His rising popularity ahead of the next election cycle has reportedly attracted stiff opposition from political rivals, some of whom are suspected to be behind the petition.
The Coalition concluded by urging the U.S. Government to “see through the smokescreen” and remain focused on partnerships that promote genuine democratic progress and accountability.
Middle-Belt Times 