Rivers’ emergency rule: NADECO writes Trump, demands visa ban on Akpabio, Abbas, Iba

The National Democratic Coalition (NADECO USA) has formally written a letter to the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, asking for a visa ban on the Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and the appointed Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd).

The letter directly addressed to the US President Trump in the White House, a copy made available to newsmen, was signed by the Executive Director of NADECO-USA, Lloyd Ukwu.

According to Lloyd Ukwu, the visa ban would be a proportionate response to the serious involvement of Senator Akpabio, Mr. Abas, and Mr. Ibas in this undemocratic act.

The letter, made available to newsmen Friday, reads in part: “The National Democratic Coalition (NADECO USA) wishes to bring to your attention a pressing matter of grave concern regarding the erosion of democratic principles in Nigeria.

“On March 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared an unfounded and unconstitutional state of emergency in Rivers State. 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. He subsequently appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the Administrator of Rivers State, an act that violates both the Nigerian Constitution and internationally recognized democratic principles.

“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.

“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. As a global champion of democracy, the United States has a vested interest in promoting and protecting democratic values worldwide.

“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. 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.

“By taking this action, the United States would send a clear message that it will not tolerate actions that undermine democracy and the will of the people. I believe this measure would be a proportionate response to the serious involvement of Senator Akpabio, Mr. Abas, and Mr. Ibas in this undemocratic act.”

NADECO-USA’s letter also revealed that the organization was making efforts to consider a similar visa ban request for Senator Akpabio and his family, Mr. Abas and his family, and Mr. Ibas and his family from the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU).

“In addition to the actions mentioned above, NADECO USA will utilize all available legal and political avenues, both domestically and internationally, to ensure that Senator Akpabio, Mr. Abas, 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.

“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.”