ADC decries intimidation, harassment of opposition in Rivers
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rivers State Chapter, has raised the alarm over alleged intimidation of opposition political parties in the state. Referring to the recent ban on all forms of gathering in Ikwerre local government area of the state, ADC publicity secretary in Rivers, Barr Chizy Enyi, in a statement on Monday in Port […]
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rivers State Chapter, has raised the alarm over alleged intimidation of opposition political parties in the state.
Referring to the recent ban on all forms of gathering in Ikwerre local government area of the state, ADC publicity secretary in Rivers, Barr Chizy Enyi, in a statement on Monday in Port Harcourt, stressed that while the ADC admit genuine security challenges confronting parts of the state, they believe the ban is targeted at the opposition.
ADC said the directive raises constitutional questions about the rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of association and political participation as guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, adding that “these rights cannot be subjected to the personal approval of any Local Government Chairman”.
According to him, more troubling is the fact that for several months, members of the ADC in Ikwerre LGA has faced 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.
“ADC is equally concerned that if this directive is allowed to stand, it could become a template for similar actions in other Local Government Areas, thereby shrinking the democratic space in Rivers ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
“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 party called on the Chairman of Ikwerre LGA, Hon. Charles Wobodo, to immediately withdraw the “unconstitutional directive”, and the Rivers State Commissioner of Police and all security agencies to ensure that every registered political party enjoys equal protection under the law and that no lawful political activity is unlawfully disrupted.
He also enjoined the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organizations and all democratic stakeholders to closely monitor developments in the state, which ADC said was capable of undermining free political participation in the state.
He said that ADC as a party remains committed to peaceful, issue-based and law-abiding 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.” He said.