The African Democratic Congress in Rivers State has attacked a ban on public gatherings imposed by the Ikwerre Local Government chairman, calling the order unconstitutional and a dangerous assault on democratic freedoms. Barr.
Chizy Enyi, the party's state publicity secretary, made this clear in a statement released in Port Harcourt.
Charles Wobodo announced the restriction during a Saturday broadcast, arguing that deteriorating security in the area made the measure necessary. The ADC acknowledged the genuine security challenges facing Ikwerre but rejected the idea that banning gatherings would solve the problem.
"The African Democratic Congress, Rivers State Chapter, has noted with grave concern the directive issued by the Executive Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government purporting to prohibit all gatherings within the Local Government Area except with his personal written approval," Enyi said.
The party expressed sympathy for families who've lost relatives in recent attacks and backed lawful initiatives to restore peace. However, Enyi warned that security concerns cannot justify dismantling constitutional democracy or restricting the lawful rights of citizens.
"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," he added. Enyi raised alarm bells about how the directive threatens political participation as parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.
The constitution guarantees freedom of assembly and political participation, Enyi insisted, and these protections shouldn't hinge on any local government chairman's personal approval. According to him, ADC members in Ikwerre have endured months of intimidation, threats and disrupted political meetings.
"This latest directive unfortunately reinforces the perception that an attempt is being made to institutionalise restrictions on legitimate political activities under the guise of security," Enyi said. He warned that allowing the order to stand could inspire similar restrictions across other local governments and shrink democratic space before 2027.
The ADC demanded that Wobodo scrap the directive immediately, insisting it violates the constitution. The party called on the Rivers State Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to guarantee equal protection for all registered political parties.
Enyi also appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission, civil society groups and other democratic institutions to monitor developments that could undermine free political participation in the state. The party believes vigilance from these bodies is essential to prevent further democratic backsliding.
