The National Democratic Coalition (NADECO USA) has written an official letter to U.S. President Donald Trump, urging him to take diplomatic action against key Nigerian political figures allegedly involved in the controversial declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The petition, signed by NADECO USA Executive Director Lloyd Ukwu and addressed directly to President Trump at the White House, seeks a visa ban on Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and the newly appointed Rivers State Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas.
Ukwu described the requested sanctions as a proportionate response to what he called the “serious involvement” of the trio in an “undemocratic act” that undermines constitutional governance in Nigeria.
In the letter, which was made available to the press on Friday, NADECO USA stated:
“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.”
The group accused President Tinubu of initiating an unlawful power grab.
“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.”
NADECO further condemned the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibas (Rtd) as the state’s administrator, calling it a violation of Nigeria’s constitution and international democratic norms.
“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 Abas,” the letter said.
“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.”
Calling on U.S. leadership to respond firmly, Ukwu said, “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 Abas and his family, and the illegal Administrator, Mr. Ibas, along with his entire family.”
“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. Abas, and Mr. Ibas in this undemocratic act,” he added.
“In addition to the actions mentioned above, NADECO USA will utilize all available legal and political avenues, both domestically and internationally, to ensure that Senator Akpabio, Mr. Abas, Mr. Ibas, and their associates are held accountable for their harmful efforts to undermine Nigeria’s emerging democracy and destabilize not only Rivers State but the entire Niger Delta region.”
