By Kenneth Williams
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State has accused authorities of using security concerns as a pretext to intimidate opposition political parties, following a directive restricting public gatherings in Ikwerre Local Government Area.
The party described the directive issued by the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government, Hon. Charles Wobodo, requiring individuals and groups to obtain his written approval before holding gatherings in the council area, as unconstitutional and a threat to democratic freedoms.
In a statement issued on Monday by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Barr. Chizy Enyi, the ADC acknowledged the prevailing security challenges in parts of Ikwerre, including recent killings, kidnappings and attacks on residents, but insisted that such concerns must not be used to curtail constitutional rights.
“We acknowledge the genuine security challenges confronting parts of Ikwerre Local Government, including the recent incidents of killings, kidnappings and attacks on innocent citizens. We sympathize with the families of those who have lost loved ones and support every lawful effort aimed at restoring peace and security,” the statement read.
It added: “However, while insecurity must be confronted decisively, it must never become a pretext for eroding constitutional democracy or suppressing the legitimate rights of law-abiding citizens.”
According to the party, the directive raises serious constitutional concerns because the rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of association and political participation are guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and cannot be subjected to the personal approval of a local government chairman.
The ADC further alleged that its members in Ikwerre had, for several months, been subjected to intimidation, threats and disruption of lawful political meetings.
“This latest directive unfortunately reinforces the perception that an attempt is being made to institutionalize restrictions on legitimate political activities under the guise of security,” the statement said.
The opposition party also warned that allowing the directive to stand could encourage similar measures in other local government areas ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“ADC is equally concerned that if this directive is allowed to stand unchallenged, it could become a template for similar actions in other Local Government Areas, thereby shrinking the democratic space as Rivers State prepares for the 2027 General Elections,” it stated.
The party maintained that tackling insecurity should focus on apprehending and prosecuting criminals rather than imposing blanket restrictions on law-abiding citizens.
“We wish to remind all public office holders that security is achieved by identifying, arresting and prosecuting criminals, not by imposing blanket restrictions on the constitutional freedoms of innocent citizens,” the statement added.
The ADC called on the Ikwerre Local Government Chairman to immediately withdraw what it described as the unconstitutional directive.
It also urged the Rivers State Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to ensure equal protection for all registered political parties and prevent the unlawful disruption of legitimate political activities.
The party further appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organisations and other democratic stakeholders to closely monitor developments capable of undermining political participation in the state.
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles, the ADC said it would continue to pursue peaceful and issue-based political engagement.
“We shall continue to exercise our constitutional rights peacefully and responsibly and will resist every attempt to intimidate or silence democratic opposition through lawful means. The security of our people and the preservation of our democracy are complementary objectives. Rivers State deserves both,” the statement concluded.
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