A United States-based pro-democracy group, the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO-USA), has petitioned U.S. President Donald Trump to impose visa bans on key Nigerian officials allegedly involved in what it described as a “democratic sabotage” in Rivers State.
The coalition, through its Executive Director, Lloyd Ukwu, accused Tinubu of orchestrating a constitutional breach by declaring an emergency rule in Rivers to oust Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Dr. Ngozi Odu, while unlawfully installing retired naval officer Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator.
In the letter made public Friday, NADECO-USA named Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and Ibas as enablers of the unconstitutional takeover.
“On March 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared an unfounded and unconstitutional state of emergency in Rivers State,” Ukwu stated.
“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.”
NADECO-USA argues that such actions not only undermine Nigeria’s federal system but also violate globally accepted democratic standards.
“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,” Ukwu added.
The group maintained that Ibas’ installation as sole administrator is unconstitutional and reflects a blatant disregard for the electoral mandate and democratic process.
Ukwu urged the U.S. to demonstrate its commitment to democratic principles by taking immediate action.
“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 Abass and his family, and the illegal administrator, Mr. Ibas, along with his entire family,” the statement read.
He insisted that such sanctions would signal the U.S. government’s disapproval of political repression and authoritarian tendencies in Nigeria.
“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.”
The group also disclosed plans to extend the same demands to the United Kingdom and the European Union, promising to pursue legal and diplomatic channels to hold the trio accountable for undermining Nigeria’s fragile democracy.
“NADECO USA will utilize 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 destabilize not only Rivers State but the entire Niger Delta region.”
READ MORE: “No Democracy in Nigeria, Rivers Crisis Nailed Coffin,” Says Peter Obi
This isn’t the first time NADECO-USA has opposed Tinubu’s actions. In March, the group condemned the appointment of Ibas, insisting that Nigeria’s constitutional framework does not grant any president the power to remove an elected state governor without legislative or judicial processes.
“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 emphasised.
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