NADECO-USA to Trump: Impose visa ban on Akpabio, Abbas, Ibas over Rivers emergency rule

The National Democratic Coalition (NADECO-USA) has called on US President Donald Trump to impose visa bans on Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives; and Ibok-Ete  Ibas, sole administrator of Rivers state.

In a letter addressed to Trump and made available to journalists, NADECO-USA said the three officials played key roles in the “clear subversion of democracy” in Rivers.

Lloyd Ukwu, executive director of the organisation, signed the letter.

Ukwu accused President Bola Tinubu of engineering an illegal emergency rule to remove the elected government in Rivers.

“On March 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared an unfounded and unconstitutional state of emergency in Rivers State,” the letter reads.

“He used this declaration to fraudulently grant himself extraordinary powers, as outlined in the Nigerian Constitution, allowing him to suspend the democratically elected governor of Rivers State, Mr Sim Fubara; his deputy, Dr Ngozi Odu; and the members of the state’s house of assembly.”

According to Ukwu, the appointment of Ibas as sole administrator of Rivers state violated both the Nigerian constitution and internationally recognised democratic norms.

“It is crucial to note that the president’s illegal actions could not have succeeded without the support of the senate, led by Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, as well as the current speaker of the house of representatives, Mr Tajudeen Abas,” he added.

“This action not only undermines the democratic foundations of Nigeria but also disregards the will of the people of Rivers State, who elected their governor through a lawful democratic process.”

He urged Trump to take decisive action in defence of democratic values.

“In light of this, I respectfully request that the president direct the United States Department of State to impose a visa ban on Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio and his family, speaker of the house of representatives Mr Tajudeen Abas and his family, and the illegal administrator, Mr Ibas, along with his entire family,” Ukwu said.

“This measure would serve as a strong statement in support of democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria, reinforcing the United States’ commitment to these fundamental principles.”

He said such action would send “a clear message that the United States will not tolerate actions that undermine democracy and the will of the people.”

PLANS UNDERWAY TO PETITION UK, EU

NADECO-USA also revealed plans to extend its advocacy to the United Kingdom and the European Union.

“In addition to the actions mentioned above, NADECO USA will utilise all available legal and political avenues, both domestically and internationally, to ensure that Senator Akpabio, Mr Abbas, Mr Ibas, and their associates are held accountable for their harmful efforts to undermine Nigeria’s emerging democracy and destabilise not only Rivers State but the entire Niger Delta region,” he added.

“NADECO USA would appreciate your consideration of this request and your subsequent action. I am confident that you, as the president of the United States, through the Department of State and your embassy in Abuja, will continue to promote and support democratic values in Nigeria.”

In March, NADECO-USA rejected the appointment of Ibas as sole administrator of Rivers state.

“Nigeria operates as a federation, with Rivers State as a sovereign entity, and Tinubu, as president, lacks the constitutional authority to unilaterally suspend an elected governor like Fubara,” Ukwu said.