BY NONYELUM JULIET
Abuja
The National Democratic Coalition (NADECO-USA) has petitioned former United States President Donald Trump, demanding a visa ban on Nigeria’s Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas; and the sole administrator appointed for Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd).
In a letter addressed directly to the former US President and made available to newsmen on Friday, the Executive Director of NADECO-USA, Mr. Lloyd Ukwu, called for immediate action over what the group described as the “erosion of democratic principles” in Nigeria, specifically in Rivers State.
According to the group, the federal government’s actions led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubuon March 18, 2025, amounted to an “unfounded and unconstitutional” declaration of emergency in Rivers State, through which the President suspended the duly elected Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Dr. Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Ukwu said the subsequent appointment of Vice Admiral Ibas as the state’s sole administrator was not only illegal under the Nigerian Constitution but also violated international democratic standards.
“The President’s illegal actions could not have succeeded without the cooperation and approval of the National Assembly, led by Senate President Akpabio and Speaker Abbas,” the letter read in part.
NADECO-USA described the federal government’s action as a deliberate attempt to undermine democracy and destabilize the Niger Delta region.
“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 Abbas and his family, and the illegal Administrator, Mr. Ibas, along with his entire family,” the letter stated.
Ukwu emphasized that such action would reflect the US government’s unwavering stance on the protection of democratic values and the rule of law.
“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”.
The coalition further disclosed that it was also engaging authorities in the United Kingdom and the European Union to impose similar travel sanctions on the individuals involved.
“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. 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,” the letter added.
NADECO-USA urged President Trump and the United States government to act promptly, insisting that the international community must not remain silent in the face of what it termed “gross violations of constitutional order and democratic process.”
The group reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring accountability and preserving democratic governance in Nigeria.
