…Party faults ban on gatherings in Ikwerre, says directive unconstitutional By Daniel Abia PORT HARCOURT — The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rivers State chapter, has raised concerns over alleged intimidation and harassment of opposition political parties in the state, following a directive restricting gatherings in Ikwerre Local Government Area. The party said the directive issued by the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Hon. Charles Wobodo, prohibiting all forms of gatherings within the council area without his written approval, was a threat to democratic freedoms.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Rivers State Publicity Secretary of the party, Barr. Chizy Enyi, Esq., ADC acknowledged the security challenges confronting parts of Ikwerre, including recent cases of killings, kidnappings and attacks on residents. The party sympathised with families of victims and expressed support for lawful measures aimed at restoring peace and security.
However, it warned that insecurity should not be used as a justification for restricting the constitutional 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,” the statement said. ADC argued that the directive raised constitutional concerns, noting that the rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of association and political participation are guaranteed under the Constitution.
“The rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of association and political participation are guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. These rights cannot be subjected to the personal approval of any Local Government Chairman,” the party stated. It further alleged that the directive was part of a pattern of intimidation, claiming that members of ADC in Ikwerre had faced threats and disruptions of lawful political meetings in recent months.
The party expressed concern that allowing such restrictions to continue could encourage similar actions in other local government areas and limit democratic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections. ADC urged public office holders to focus on identifying, arresting and prosecuting criminals rather than imposing restrictions on the rights of citizens. The party called on Wobodo to withdraw what it described as an “unconstit…
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