Rivers: NADECO Petitions Trump, Demands Visa Ban On Akpabio, Abbas And Ibas

The National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) has petitioned U.S. President Donald Trump, calling for a visa ban on Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.).

The group, which operates from the United States, made the appeal in a letter addressed directly to Trump at the White House.

The document was signed by the Executive Director of NADECO-USA, Lloyd Ukwu, who described the move as necessary to “defend democracy and hold complicit actors accountable.”

The letter reads, “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 recognised 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 Abbas.

“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 Abbas 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. Abbas, and Mr. Ibas in this undemocratic act.”

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

It added, “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.

“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.”