In a rather opportunistic move, former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has taken to social media to call on Nigerians and other Africans impacted by the recent mass visa revocation in the United States to return home immediately. This so-called advisory emerges at a time of heightened fear, as he exploits the situation to emphasize his dubious stance on immigration and belonging.

Sani's assertions are not only misguided but also alarmingly tone-deaf. He claims that regardless of how long individuals reside in the United States, they will always be reminded that it is not their "true home." This begs the question: what does he know about their lives? His statement, “Nigerians and other thousands of Africans whose visas were recently revoked by President Trump should hasten and leave the country and return home before they get arrested by ICE," reeks of a simplistic and superficial understanding of the complexities surrounding immigration.

To frame the mass visa revocations as a mere reminder of one's nationality is not only reductive but also damaging. The US State Department has indeed revoked a staggering 80,000 visas since the start of 2025, but these revocations stem from serious infractions such as driving under the influence and assault. Sani seems to conveniently ignore the fact that these actions have consequences and that it is not a mere bureaucratic nightmare, but rather a legal issue that the individuals in question must address.

Moreover, his claim that the revoked visas included "approximately 16,000 linked to driving under the influence, 12,000 for assault, and 8,000 student visas" illustrates a clear lack of accountability on the part of those affected. Instead of urging a return to Nigeria, a country already grappling with its own issues, should we not be holding individuals accountable for their actions? Sani's rhetoric distracts from the real conversations that need to be had about personal responsibility and the rule of law.

Furthermore, the tightening of US visa regulations, including the requirement for non-immigrant visa applicants to make their social media accounts public, signifies a broader trend toward scrutiny and transparency. Sani’s framing of these changes as unfair is a misdirection. Are we really to believe that individuals should not be held responsible for their past actions when seeking residency in another country? This shift in policy is a necessary step for national security, not an affront to individual rights.

Sani’s call to return home is not just a misguided plea but a dangerous dismissal of the real challenges faced by many in the diaspora. Instead of providing constructive solutions or support, he reduces the conversation to a simplistic and accusatory stance that overlooks the intricacies of immigration status and the challenges that many face abroad.

As we watch this situation unfold, it is critical to recognize the implications of Sani's rhetoric. His words may resonate with some, but they ultimately serve to distract from the pressing need for accountability and understanding in these tumultuous times.