Nigerians Demand More Visa Rejections for Corrupt Public Officials After Canada’s Move

Nigerians on social media are celebrating Canada’s recent decision to reject the asylum applications of retired police officers, with many calling for similar actions from other Western nations. The rejections are being hailed as a step toward holding corrupt officials accountable and discouraging human rights abuses by public servants.

In February, the Peoples Gazette reported that Canadian immigration authorities turned down asylum requests from retired officers, citing the Nigerian Police Force’s notorious reputation for extortion, bribery, and human rights violations. The decision specifically affected retired officers Martins Peter Nwokolo and Wale Akinpelu, along with his wife, Ajarat Mojirola.

The news sparked widespread approval among Nigerians on X, with users praising the decision as a positive move toward cleaning up governance. One user, @itleeswhag, commented, “If all the countries in Europe, Asia, and America become like Canada, African leaders might readjust. Deny the visas, especially when they are critically ill, and make them fix their country.”

Another user, @Captcash001, expressed a wish that Western countries would “deny African politicians seeking long-stay visas, asylum, or citizenship,” adding that this would force African leaders to improve their countries and curb illegal immigration.

Criticism of the Nigerian Police Force’s corruption was evident in the responses, with @ToksDuttie stating, “The Nigeria Police Force is one of the most corrupt bad actors in Nigeria. Anyone who passes through the establishment is assumed corrupt and rotten until proven otherwise.”

Other users echoed similar sentiments, with @Jonehmk noting that the rejection of asylum might send a message to Nigerian police officers, encouraging them to be more proactive and respectful in their dealings with civilians.

The incident also raised questions about the reach of Nigeria’s corruption, with @Uche_Igwe commenting, “It is revealing that the reputation of the Nigerian police could follow officers and their wives all the way to Canada. You cannot spoil your country and run to another one.”

Many online users applauded the Canadian authorities for setting a precedent, with @My_viewspedia noting that the move could deter corrupt individuals from seeking refuge in Canada after committing crimes or human rights violations. Others, like @JudithSaleh and @Chukzwrld, expressed hope that this would lead to further actions against Nigerian public officials and their families who have contributed to the country’s struggles.

With mounting support for Canada’s stance, some users, such as @ugwuchiaku, called for even more stringent actions against corrupt officials, particularly those who have worsened the plight of Nigerians in recent years.