Rivers ADC says council using security law to silence opposition parties

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed concern over a recent directive by the authorities of Ikwerre Local Government Area (KELGA) in Rivers State stating that groups seeking to meet in the area must obtain approval from the council beforehand.

Charles Wobodo, chairman of the local government, said the measure was intended to protect citizens from violence and kidnapping.

The ADC, however, disagreed, arguing that the law simply aims to curtail the activities of its members in KELGA, which is also Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi’s — the former minister of transportation — home LGA.

Chizi Enyi, ADC’s state publicity secretary, said the directive raises serious constitutional and democratic concerns. He acknowledged the security situation in parts of the LGA and expressed sympathy for families who had lost loved ones, while reaffirming support for all lawful efforts aimed at restoring peace and public safety.

He, however, pointed out that “the fight against insecurity must not be used as justification for restricting the constitutional rights of law‑abiding citizens.” Enyi stressed that the right to peaceful assembly, freedom of association and political participation are guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and must not be subjected to the personal approval of any local government.

He alleged the directive followed months of intimidation, threats and disruption of lawful political meetings involving ADC members in KELGA, and warned that “the latest edition could reinforce concerns that legitimate political activities are being curtailed under the guise of addressing security challenges.”

ADC’s office in Ubima, Amaechi’s hometown, was attacked earlier this year, while the former minister’s convoy was attacked in the LGA the following day. The party had then accused Wobodo of failing in his duties as the chief security officer of the council area, while some persons who are not party officials pointed accusing fingers at members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the LGA.

Azubuike Wanjoku, former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, has in the meantime criticized the ban on all forms of public gatherings in the LGA. He questioned the rationale behind the policy and said the local government administration appears more focused on restricting political activities than addressing growing security challenges.

Wanjoku said, “You banned family gatherings and other social gatherings, and you say you’re chairman of a local government. Instead of protecting lives and property, he’s busy chasing people holding meetings in the local government. Any political party that’s holding a meeting, he’s there.

“Does he have the power to ban all gatherings? That’s what you have to ask yourself. Has the President banned all forms of gatherings in the whole of the North East and North West? What type of insecurity do we have in Ikwerre Local Government that will bring such a ban? I don’t think he has the power to ban anything. Even the DPOs in the local government know he’s wrong.”