BIG STORY
Biden: ‘I’ll Be A President For All Americans’ [Full Inaugural Speech]
Published
4 years agoon

For The Record: Joe Biden’s Inaugural Speech As 46th US President
Chief Justice Roberts, Vice-President Harris, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, Leader McConnell, Vice-President Pence. My distinguished guests, my fellow Americans.
This is America’s day. This is democracy’s day. A day of history and hope, of renewal and resolve. Through a crucible for the ages, America has been tested a new, and America has risen to the challenge. Today we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate but of a cause, a cause of democracy. The people – the will of the people – has been heard, and the will of the people has been heeded.
We’ve learned again that democracy is precious, democracy is fragile and, at this hour my friends, democracy has prevailed. So now on this hallowed ground where just a few days ago violence sought to shake the Capitol’s very foundations, we come together as one nation under God – indivisible – to carry out the peaceful transfer of power as we have for more than two centuries.
As we look ahead in our uniquely American way, restless, bold, optimistic, and set our sights on a nation we know we can be and must be, I thank my predecessors of both parties. I thank them from the bottom of my heart. And I know the resilience of our Constitution and the strength, the strength of our nation, as does President Carter, who I spoke with last night who cannot be with us today, but who we salute for his lifetime of service.
I’ve just taken a sacred oath each of those patriots have taken. The oath first sworn by George Washington. But the American story depends not on any one of us, not on some of us, but on all of us. On we the people who seek a more perfect union. This is a great nation, we are good people. And over the centuries through storm and strife in peace and in war we’ve come so far. But we still have far to go.
We’ll press forward with speed and urgency for we have much to do in this winter of peril and significant possibility. Much to do, much to heal, much to restore, much to build and much to gain. Few people in our nation’s history have been more challenged or found a time more challenging or difficult than the time we’re in now. A once in a century virus that silently stalks the country has taken as many lives in one year as in all of World War Two.
Millions of jobs have been lost. Hundreds of thousands of businesses closed. A cry for racial justice, some 400 years in the making, moves us. The dream of justice for all will be deferred no longer. A cry for survival comes from the planet itself, a cry that can’t be any more desperate or any more clear now. The rise of political extremism, white supremacy, domestic terrorism, that we must confront and we will defeat.
To overcome these challenges, to restore the soul and secure the future of America, requires so much more than words. It requires the most elusive of all things in a democracy – unity. Unity. In another January on New Year’s Day in 1863 Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. When he put pen to paper the president said, and I quote, ‘if my name ever goes down in history, it’ll be for this act, and my whole soul is in it’.
My whole soul is in it today, on this January day. My whole soul is in this. Bringing America together, uniting our people, uniting our nation. And I ask every American to join me in this cause. Uniting to fight the foes we face – anger, resentment and hatred. Extremism, lawlessness, violence, disease, joblessness, and hopelessness.
With unity we can do great things, important things. We can right wrongs, we can put people to work in good jobs, we can teach our children in safe schools. We can overcome the deadly virus, we can rebuild work, we can rebuild the middle class and make work secure, we can secure racial justice and we can make America once again the leading force for good in the world.
I know speaking of unity can sound to some like a foolish fantasy these days. I know the forces that divide us are deep and they are real. But I also know they are not new. Our history has been a constant struggle between the American ideal, that we are all created equal, and the harsh ugly reality that racism, nativism and fear have torn us apart. The battle is perennial and victory is never secure.
Through civil war, the Great Depression, World War, 9/11, through struggle, sacrifice, and setback, our better angels have always prevailed. In each of our moments enough of us have come together to carry all of us forward and we can do that now. History, faith and reason show the way. The way of unity.
We can see each other not as adversaries but as neighbours. We can treat each other with dignity and respect. We can join forces, stop the shouting and lower the temperature. For without unity there is no peace, only bitterness and fury, no progress, only exhausting outrage. No nation, only a state of chaos. This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge. And unity is the path forward. And we must meet this moment as the United States of America.
If we do that, I guarantee we will not failed. We have never, ever, ever, ever failed in America when we’ve acted together. And so today at this time in this place, let’s start afresh, all of us. Let’s begin to listen to one another again, hear one another, see one another. Show respect to one another. Politics doesn’t have to be a raging fire destroying everything in its path. Every disagreement doesn’t have to be a cause for total war and we must reject the culture in which facts themselves are manipulated and even manufactured.
My fellow Americans, we have to be different than this. We have to be better than this and I believe America is so much better than this. Just look around. Here we stand in the shadow of the Capitol dome. As mentioned earlier, completed in the shadow of the Civil War. When the union itself was literally hanging in the balance. We endure, we prevail. Here we stand, looking out on the great Mall, where Dr King spoke of his dream.
Here we stand, where 108 years ago at another inaugural, thousands of protesters tried to block brave women marching for the right to vote. And today we mark the swearing in of the first woman elected to national office, Vice President Kamala Harris. Don’t tell me things can change. Here we stand where heroes who gave the last full measure of devotion rest in eternal peace.
And here we stand just days after a riotous mob thought they could use violence to silence the will of the people, to stop the work of our democracy, to drive us from this sacred ground. It did not happen, it will never happen, not today, not tomorrow, not ever. Not ever. To all those who supported our campaign, I’m humbled by the faith you placed in us. To all those who did not support us, let me say this. Hear us out as we move forward. Take a measure of me and my heart.
If you still disagree, so be it. That’s democracy. That’s America. The right to dissent peacefully. And the guardrail of our democracy is perhaps our nation’s greatest strength. If you hear me clearly, disagreement must not lead to disunion. And I pledge this to you. I will be a President for all Americans, all Americans. And I promise you I will fight for those who did not support me as for those who did.
Many centuries ago, St Augustine – the saint of my church – wrote that a people was a multitude defined by the common objects of their love. Defined by the common objects of their love. What are the common objects we as Americans love, that define us as Americans? I think we know. Opportunity, security, liberty, dignity, respect, honour, and yes, the truth.
Recent weeks and months have taught us a painful lesson. There is truth and there are lies. Lies told for power and for profit. And each of us has a duty and a responsibility as citizens as Americans and especially as leaders. Leaders who are pledged to honour our Constitution to protect our nation. To defend the truth and defeat the lies.
Look, I understand that many of my fellow Americans view the future with fear and trepidation. I understand they worry about their jobs. I understand like their dad they lay in bed at night staring at the ceiling thinking: ‘Can I keep my healthcare? Can I pay my mortgage?’ Thinking about their families, about what comes next. I promise you, I get it. But the answer’s not to turn inward. To retreat into competing factions. Distrusting those who don’t look like you, or worship the way you do, who don’t get their news from the same source as you do.
We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue, rural versus urban, conservative versus liberal. We can do this if we open our souls instead of hardening our hearts if we show a little tolerance and humility and if we’re willing to stand in the other person’s shoes, as my mom would say. Just for a moment, stand in their shoes.
Because here’s the thing about life. There’s no accounting for what fate will deal with you. Some days you need a hand. There are other days when we’re called to lend a hand. That’s how it has to be, that’s what we do for one another. And if we are that way our country will be stronger, more prosperous, more ready for the future. And we can still disagree.
My fellow Americans, in the work ahead of us we’re going to need each other. We need all our strength to persevere through this dark winter. We’re entering what may be the darkest and deadliest period of the virus. We must set aside politics and finally face this pandemic as one nation, one nation. And I promise this, as the Bible says, ‘Weeping may endure for a night, joy cometh in the morning’. We will get through this together. Together.
Look, folks, all my colleagues I serve within the House and the Senate up here, we all understand the world is watching. Watching all of us today. So here’s my message to those beyond our borders. America has been tested and we’ve come out stronger for it. We will repair our alliances, and engage with the world once again. Not to meet yesterday’s challenges but today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. And we’ll lead not merely by the example of our power but the power of our example.
Fellow Americans, moms, dads, sons, daughters, friends, neighbours, and co-workers. We will honour them by becoming the people and the nation we can and should be. So I ask you let’s say a silent prayer for those who lost their lives, those left behind, and for our country. Amen.
Folks, it’s a time of testing. We face an attack on our democracy, and on truth, a raging virus, a stinging inequity, systemic racism, a climate in crisis, America’s role in the world. Any one of these would be enough to challenge us in profound ways. But the fact is we face them all at once, presenting this nation with one of the greatest responsibilities we’ve had. Now we’re going to be tested. Are we going to step up?
It’s time for boldness for there is so much to do. And this is certain, I promise you. We will be judged, you and I, by how we resolve these cascading crises of our era. We will rise to the occasion. Will we master this rare and difficult hour? Will we meet our obligations and pass along a new and better world to our children? I believe we must and I’m sure you do as well. I believe we will, and when we do, we’ll write the next great chapter in the history of the United States of America. The American story.
A story that might sound like a song that means a lot to me, it’s called American Anthem. And there’s one verse that stands out at least for me and it goes like this: ‘The work and prayers of a century have brought us to this day, which shall be our legacy, what will our children say? Let me know in my heart when my days are through, America, America, I gave my best to you.’
Let us add our own work and prayers to the unfolding story of our great nation. If we do this, then when our days are through, our children and our children’s children will say of us: ‘They gave their best, they did their duty, they healed a broken land.’
My fellow Americans I close the day where I began, with a sacred oath. Before God and all of you, I give you my word. I will always level with you. I will defend the Constitution, I’ll defend our democracy. I’ll defend America and I will give all – all of you – keep everything I do in your service. Thinking not of power but of possibilities. Not of personal interest but of the public good.
And together we will write an American story of hope, not fear. Of unity not division, of light, not darkness. A story of decency and dignity, love and healing, greatness and goodness. May this be the story that guides us. The story that inspires us. And the story that tells ages yet to come that we answered the call of history, we met the moment. Democracy and hope, truth and justice, did not die on our watch but thrive.
That America secured liberty at home and stood once again as a beacon to the world. That is what we owe our forbearers, one another, and generations to follow.
So with purpose and resolve, we turn to those tasks of our time. Sustained by faith, driven by conviction, and devoted to one another and the country we love with all our hearts. May God bless America and God protect our troops.
Thank you, America.
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BIG STORY
Tunji-Ojo Meets US Envoy Over New Visa Policy, Says FG Will Curb Overstay By Nigerians
Published
23 minutes agoon
July 10, 2025
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior, held a meeting on Wednesday in Abuja with Richard Mills, the United States ambassador to Nigeria.
Also present at the meeting were Kemi Nanna Nandap, comptroller-general of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and Magdalene Ajani, permanent secretary in the ministry of interior.
In a statement, Tunji-Ojo noted that the “constructive meeting” addressed the recently implemented visa procedures introduced by the US government for Nigerian citizens.
The minister stated that the US ambassador shared “valuable insights into the revised protocol and its alignment with established practices to uphold the integrity of the visa process”.
According to the statement, “The ambassador described the new e-visa policy of the Nigeria Immigration Service as an innovation intended to streamline and enhance the application process for foreign travellers into the country.”
It further mentioned that the Ministry of Interior, NIS, and the US Mission in Nigeria have agreed to deepen cooperation, focusing on compliance with visa rules and encouraging responsible travel behaviour among Nigerians.
The minister added, “Our government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu (GCFR) will continue to ensure strict compliance across the board in key areas, including secure travel documents, ensuring the issuance of secure travel documents with verified traveller identities.”
Other focus areas highlighted include “Visa overstay management: Implementing measures to limit overstays by travellers on US visas” and “Information sharing: Sharing relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety.”
Earlier on Tuesday, the US embassy in Nigeria had announced significant modifications to its visa policy for Nigerians, reducing the validity and entry allowance for most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas.
The embassy explained that most of the revised visas will now allow single entry and be valid for only three months.
BIG STORY
Diplomatic Tensions: Federal Government Pushes Back As US, UAE Tighten Visa Rules
Published
3 hours agoon
July 10, 2025
The Federal Government has expressed concern over the recent decision by the United States to impose tighter visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, describing the move as disproportionate and calling for “reconsideration in the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation.”
This development follows the United Arab Emirates’ introduction of stricter entry requirements for Nigerian travellers, which includes a complete ban on transit visa applications.
According to updated directives from Dubai immigration, Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 45 are no longer eligible for tourist visas unless accompanied, while those aged 45 and above must provide a six-month personal bank statement with a minimum monthly balance of $10,000 before being considered for a visa.
On Wednesday, the British High Commission in Abuja also announced changes to the United Kingdom’s immigration process for Nigerians applying for study and work visas.
The US Department of State in Abuja announced on Tuesday that, effective July 8, 2025, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians will now be valid for only three months and limited to a single entry. This announcement prompted the FG’s response.
The US Government’s revised visa reciprocity schedule for Nigeria limits the validity of specific non-immigrant visa categories—including “B1/B2” (business and tourism), “F” (student), and “J” (exchange visitor)—to three months and restricts them to a single entry.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed to The PUNCH that the government is examining the new directive and its possible effects.
“We are assessing the new policy and its necessary implications. The government will respond soon, after due consultation with relevant stakeholders,” Ebienfa said.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed by Ebienfa, the FG said it viewed the new policy with “concern and keen interest,” particularly in light of the historically cordial relations between the two nations.
“The attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria has been drawn to the recent decision by the United States Government to revise its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigerian citizens, limiting the validity of non-immigrant visas including B1/B2, F and J categories to three months with single entry.
“The Federal Government views this development with concern and keen interest, particularly given the longstanding cordial relations and strong people-to-people ties between our two countries.
“The decision appears misaligned with the principles of reciprocity, equity, and mutual respect that should guide bilateral engagements between friendly nations,” Ebienfa said.
According to the statement, the policy change would have a broad impact on Nigerians, affecting students seeking education in the US, professionals involved in legitimate business, and families visiting loved ones.
The government emphasised that the restriction could hamper cultural and educational exchanges that have long been a foundation of US-Nigeria relations.
“While acknowledging the sovereign right of every country to determine its immigration policies, Nigeria respectfully urges the United States to reconsider this decision in the spirit of partnership, cooperation, and shared global responsibilities.
“Diplomatic engagements are ongoing, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to pursuing a resolution that reflects fairness and upholds the values of mutual interest,” Ebienfa noted.
The ministry also confirmed that diplomatic engagements are underway, adding that Nigeria remains committed to seeking a resolution that reflects fairness and upholds the values of mutual interest.
FG, US meet
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, led an FG delegation that held a meeting with the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jr., on Wednesday as the FG moved to resolve the issue.
He stated on her X handle, “I held a constructive meeting with the US Ambassador Richard M. Mills Jr. today (Wednesday), to discuss the recently introduced visa procedures for Nigerian nationals.
The meeting, attended by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani; Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap, aimed at strengthening ties between Nigeria and the US through a well-structured visa framework.
“The discussions centred on visa reciprocity, with Ambassador Mills Jr. providing valuable insights into the revised protocol and its alignment with established practices to uphold the integrity of the visa process.
“The Ambassador described the new e-visa policy of the Nigeria Immigration Service as an innovation intended to streamline and enhance application process for foreign travellers into the country.”
He added, “The Ministry of Interior, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the US Mission in Nigeria agreed to strengthen collaboration, emphasizing adherence to visa regulations and promoting responsible travel practices among Nigerian citizens.
Our government under the leadership of President @officialABAT Tinubu (GCFR) will continue to ensure strict compliance across board in key areas including: 1. Secure travel documents: Ensuring the issuance of secure travel documents with verified traveller identities. 2. Visa overstay management: Implementing measures to limit overstays by travelers on US visas. 3. Information sharing: Sharing relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety.”
According to the US Embassy, the revised visa terms are part of the Department’s global visa reciprocity process. The initiative was designed to align visa policies with international standards and security requirements.
The embassy stated that the new guidelines applied only to visas issued on or after July 8 and that existing visas would remain valid until their expiration.
The embassy also explained the reasoning behind the policy, emphasising the need to protect the integrity of the US immigration system.
Among the benchmarks the US considers essential are the issuance of secure travel documents, effective management of visa overstays, and information sharing on criminal records and other security-related data.
According to the embassy, the US Mission is working with Nigerian authorities to meet these benchmarks.
Despite the stricter regulations, the US government reiterated its commitment to maintaining a strong bilateral relationship with Nigeria.
In light of the changes, the US government urged Nigerian travelers to observe all visa conditions.
Diplomats react
Commenting on the development, a retired diplomat, Ambassador Rasheed Akinkuolie, described the measure as temporary and subject to review.
Akinkuolie called for a reciprocal response by the Nigerian government and urged that such reciprocity should be adjusted once the US revises its stance.
He said, “The policy of USA to reduce non-immigrant visa to three months, single entry is temporary, and subject to review. Nigeria should also reciprocate in like manner. And when the policy is reviewed by the other party, Nigeria should also do the same.
“Government delegations and diplomats of both countries travelling to USA, and Nigeria are not affected by this policy, which is an indication that government to government relationship between the two countries is still strong.
“Normally, anyone travelling to USA to visit family members, or as a tourist, should not stay for more than three months, except there is intention to ‘Japa’.”
A foreign affairs analyst Charles Onunaiju linked the new visa restrictions to broader US political trends, especially under the Trump administration.
Onunaiju argued that rather than confront the US directly, Nigeria should adopt a broader diplomatic strategy.
He said, “First, these measures are to be expected and the issue of restrictive immigration to the US was a major policy platform of the Mr. Trump campaign for the presidency. It is part of the Trump administration inverse nationalisms that can be discerned across his entire policy platforms.
“A frontal pushback will not offer much help but a deliberate policy to diversify and consolidate partnerships across the world would offset most of the effects of the US nationalist resurgence.
“Visa restrictions, punitive tariff impositions, upending traditional diplomatic practices and disruptive political mannerisms would undergird Washington international behaviours in the coming years and therefore both traditional partners like Nigeria should get ready for more of Washington twists and turns.”
Tougher entry conditions
Meanwhile, according to new directives from Dubai immigration, Nigerians aged 18 to 45 will no longer be eligible for tourist visas unless accompanied.
For those aged 45 and above, visa applicants must present a personal six-month bank statement showing a minimum monthly balance of $10,000 (or its naira equivalent).
Travel agents said the new policy was expected to drastically reduce travel from Nigeria to Dubai, a top destination for business and tourism.
“For Nigerian nationals, please bear in mind that an applicant aged 18 to 45 years travelling alone is not eligible for the TOURIST VISA CATEGORY.
“An applicant who is 45 years or above must provide a Single Nigerian personal bank statement for a period of the last six months, with each month’s end balance reflecting a minimum ending balance of USD 10,000 or its naira equivalent.
“Kindly note that the above points must be taken into consideration before sending your applications with other existing documents such as hotel reservation, data page, etc,” the notification read.
UK introduces eVisas
The British High Commission in Abuja on Wednesday announced that starting from 15 July 2025, most applicants will begin receiving digital eVisas instead of the traditional visa stickers in their passports, a statement from the BHC revealed.
The new policy will only apply to applications submitted on or after 15 July 2025. Those who submit their applications before this date will still follow the existing procedure, which includes submitting their passport at a Visa Application Centre and receiving a vignette.
According to the statement, “From 15 July 2025, most individuals applying to enter the UK on study or work-related visas will no longer receive a physical visa sticker (vignette) in their passport.
“Instead, successful applicants will be issued an eVisa, a secure, online record of their immigration status. This change marks a major step in the UK Government’s transition to a modern, digital immigration system.
“This change applies only to study or work visa applications submitted on or after 15 July 2025. Applicants who apply before 15 July will continue with the current process, including leaving their passport at the Visa Application Centre and receiving a vignette. Visit visas applications will continue to receive the visa vignette sticker for the time being.”
Importantly, applicants must still attend a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information.
The statement further stated that once their visa is approved, they will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration with a decision and instructions to set up a UKVI account in order to access their eVisa.
“Despite the removal of the vignette for study or work visas, all applicants must still attend a Visa Application Centre to provide their biometric information as part of the visa processing procedure.
“Once a decision is made on their visa application, applicants will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration with the outcome and instructions to create a UKVI account, to access their eVisa,” the statement added.
The Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Abuja, Gill Obe, said, “We’re making it easier and faster for Nigerians to travel to the UK. From 15 July 2025, most people applying for study or work visas will get a digital eVisa instead of a visa sticker in their passport.
“This is a further big step to a fully digital UK immigration system, making the process more secure, more efficient, and more convenient for students, professionals, and families.”
She also noted that not all applicants would be affected by the new system immediately.
“However, if you’re applying as a dependant, like a spouse or child, of someone who is studying or working in the UK or if you are applying for a visitor visa, you’ll still receive a visa vignette sticker in your passport for the time being,” she added.
The High Commission clarified that eVisas have already replaced Biometric Residence Permits for individuals granted leave for more than six months. Holders of a UKVI account can use the “View and Prove” service to share their immigration status with third parties, such as employers or landlords in England.
To obtain an eVisa, applicants must; Apply online via the official UK government website (gov.uk); Attend a Visa Application Centre to submit biometrics; Take their passport home the same day if a vignette is not required; Follow the decision letter instructions, including creating and linking a UKVI account if necessary.
Opposition blames FG
While reacting to the tighter visa conditions on Nigerians, the opposition Labour Party accused the FG of incompetence and failure to address the deteriorating state of the country.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, the Deputy National Chairman, Labour Party, Dr Ayo Olorunfemi, expressed disappointment at Nigeria’s growing international isolation, which he attributed to poor governance and a failure to provide opportunities for citizens.
“It is not just about the visa bans. Every country is moving forward, but Nigeria is stuck — in fact, we are regressing,” Olorunfemi said. “These countries can’t afford to wait for us. If we refuse to make progress, they will act in their own interest, and that is what we are witnessing now.”
He noted that the restrictions were not necessarily targeted at Nigerians but reflected a broader global response to Nigeria’s unchecked population growth, lack of development, and increasing emigration crisis.
“Our people are leaving en masse in search of greener pastures. The ‘Japa’ wave is a direct result of government failure to care for its citizens. This is why you hear some Nigerians saying they would rather be slaves abroad than free citizens here,” he lamented.
Olorunfemi warned that Nigeria’s large and growing population, if not properly managed, will continue to place pressure not just on the country but on the international community, especially well-organized developed nations.
“You can’t expect them to keep their borders open when we have refused to fix our own house. If you don’t raise your children properly, they become strays and the world will treat them as such,” he said.
He also criticised the political class, describing them as “gangs of criminals” engaged in power struggles, with little regard for the welfare of the masses.
“Rather than rebuild the nation, what we see are criminal gangs wrestling to hijack power from other criminal gangs, while the people look on helplessly, as if they have no other choice.”
The LP chieftain urged the government to urgently address the root causes of the mass exodus and international embarrassment, including insecurity, economic hardship, and poor leadership.
Also, the New Nigeria Peoples Party stated that the new restrictions reflected how Nigeria was viewed by the international community.
Speaking (with The Punch), the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, described the development as a wake-up call for the country.
He stated, “Well, the posture of foreign countries towards us and the trend we’re beginning to see is indicative of how they perceive us as Nigerians and how valuable or otherwise they feel that we are, or our patronage.
“It is a shame that things seem to be degenerating for us on the international stage. It is a wake-up call for the government, the federal government — especially in view of the fact that Mr. President, since resuming office, has not appointed ambassadors. And I am not sure how he is selling his agenda to our partners around the world, not just the Western world.
“If his agenda is sold and our partners understand where he is going administratively, it might help the outlook that they have for the country. On the other hand, they might have seen where things are going, and they might view things negatively.
“Whichever way, we feel it is a wake-up call for the government to put its house in order. And this is not good at a time when the government is telling us that it is bringing in foreign direct investment.”
The restrictions also sparked reactions online with a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dele Momodu, writing on his Instagram handle, “BREAKING: The United States halts long-term visas for Nigerians. This comes on the heels of attending and actively engaging in the BRICS summit. The ramifications of President Tinubu’s limited diplomatic experience and strategic vision are becoming increasingly evident. Meanwhile, ECOWAS has fractured and diverged, marking a significant turning point in regional cooperation.”
Also, Bashir Ahmad, an aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, stated on X, “I am of the opinion that the recent review of U.S. visa policy on Nigeria, reducing the 5-year multiple entry visa to just 3 months single entry, is not solely about reciprocity. Rather, it appears to reflect growing US discomfort with Nigeria’s increasing global realignment, particularly the warm reception we are receiving from the BRICS.
“Nigeria is charting its course, forging strategic partnerships that serve our national interest. Our President, Bola Tinubu’s successful outing at the BRICS Summit in Brazil sent a strong message. We are Nigeria and we will be alright.”
Reacting, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, said the Federal Government is reviewing the United States’ visa reciprocity policy and taking steps to address the concerns that led to the latest development.
According to The Punch, Bwala, on Wednesday, dismissed claims that the visa reciprocity issue stemmed from poor diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the US.
He maintained that Nigeria enjoys strong diplomatic ties with the US, citing the fact that Nigeria was not among the countries affected by the travel restrictions recently announced by US President Donald Trump.
Bwala said, “It is not really about poor governance or poor diplomatic relations with the US. President Donald Trump is reviewing relations with all countries of the world. You recall that when he recently placed travel restrictions, Nigeria was not included.
“The reciprocity requires review, and we are taking steps to rectify issues. No problems at all. We are in a good relationship with the US.”
BIG STORY
EFCC Urges National Assembly To Criminalise Unexplained Wealth
Published
3 hours agoon
July 10, 2025
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has urged the National Assembly to enact legislation that criminalises unexplained wealth and sudden fortune in Nigeria.
The commission noted that despite ongoing anti-corruption efforts, there is currently no legal framework to hold public officials accountable for owning assets that exceed their legitimate income.
Chairman of the Commission, Ola Olukoyede, made the appeal on Wednesday during his address at the National Conference on Public Accounts and Fiscal Governance, organised by the Public Accounts Committees of both the Senate and House of Representatives in Abuja.
Olukoyede disclosed that the EFCC has just started scrutinising the financial records of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, and initial findings are already deeply concerning.
“Help me pass the Unexplained Wealth Bill. I’ve been begging for the past year. This same bill was thrown out in the last Assembly. If we don’t make individuals accountable for what they have, we’ll never get it right.
“Someone has worked in a ministry for 20 years. We calculate their entire salary and allowances. Then we find five properties — two in Maitama, three in Asokoro. Yet we’re told to go and prove a predicate offence before we can act. That is absurd.
“In the last three weeks, we started a commission-wide investigation into the extractive industry, particularly the oil and gas sector. What we have discovered is mind-boggling. We have only just opened the books. So much more corruption is to be unravelled. If this is what we’re seeing at the surface, imagine what lies beneath,” he said.
According to Olukoyede, the findings highlight the scale of financial mismanagement within the system. He described fiscal recklessness and poor management of public funds as major contributors to both economic hardship and national insecurity.
“There is a very strong connection between the mismanagement of our resources and insecurity. When you look at banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, trace it back, and you will find a pattern of corrupt practices and diversion of funds that were meant to improve people’s lives,” he said.
He criticised the legal barriers preventing the Commission from prosecuting suspects, explaining that the requirement of a “predicate offence” such as theft or fraud often stalls asset recovery efforts.
He argued that the proposed legislation would create strict liability for individuals found with assets significantly beyond their known and legal earnings.
“Once you are living beyond your means, you should be held to account. Until we do this, there will always be an escape route for the corrupt,” he said.
Olukoyede also pointed to the global dimension of Nigeria’s stolen assets, revealing that the EFCC is tracing illicit wealth in multiple countries, including unexpected locations.
“Last month alone, I visited four or five countries chasing Nigeria’s stolen assets. An ambassador even told me they discovered an estate in Iceland owned by a Nigerian. Iceland of all places!” he said.
He admitted that even the best anti-graft efforts cannot recover more than half of what has been looted, citing resistance from foreign custodians of stolen funds.
“There is no amount of capacity I can build, no level of effort I can put in, that will enable me to recover even half of what has been stolen from Nigeria because the custodians of those assets in foreign countries don’t want to let go. And they won’t,” he said.
He also criticised those hoarding looted wealth, recalling how he confronted delegates at a United Nations forum.
“I told them at the United Nations Forum last December that if you are holding onto Nigeria’s stolen assets, we see you as an accessory after the fact. They grumbled, but I didn’t care,” he said.
Olukoyede condemned the culture of impunity in Nigeria’s public sector, noting that some individuals under prosecution are still being publicly celebrated despite evidence against them.
“We are doing this work. We see people who have stolen our money. We have shown you evidence. We’ve traced where the money went. We are already in court. Yet, they’re being celebrated all over the place. Does that show we’re serious?
“If we execute even 60% of our capital budget efficiently between 2025 and 2026, we will empower small and medium-scale industries. We’ll build infrastructure. We’ll be fine,” he said.
He emphasised that Nigeria has enough natural and mineral resources and should not rely on borrowing to sustain the economy.
“What we need is transparency in revenue generation and accountability in public expenditure,” he said, urging national leaders to unite in the fight against corruption.
“If we miss it under this administration, I pity Nigeria. Let’s put politics aside. Let’s put ethnicity aside. This is about rescuing the soul of Nigeria,” he said.
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