NADECO-USA Urges U.S. President to Sanction Nigerian Officials Over Rivers State Crisis
NADECO-USA calls on Trump to act against Nigerian leaders accused of sabotaging democracy in Rivers.
The coalition demands visa bans, warning of growing threats to Nigeria’s constitutional governance.
The National Democratic Coalition USA (NADECO-USA) has petitioned U.S. President Donald Trump, urging the imposition of visa restrictions on Nigeria’s Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and the recently appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), over what it described as an assault on democracy in Nigeria.
In a letter addressed directly to President Trump and made available to journalists on Friday, NADECO-USA expressed alarm over the political developments in Rivers State. The group accused Nigerian authorities of subverting democratic norms by forcefully removing elected state officials and installing an unelected administrator.
Signed by Lloyd Ukwu, Executive Director of NADECO-USA, the letter alleged that President Bola Tinubu declared an unconstitutional state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025. This declaration, according to the group, paved the way for the suspension of the state’s elected governor, Siminalayi Fubara; his deputy, Dr. Ngozi Odu; and all members of the State House of Assembly.
Ukwu said the decision to appoint a sole administrator in place of the democratic government was a clear violation of Nigeria’s constitution and international democratic principles. The appointment of retired Vice Admiral Ibas, he added, was particularly troubling and was carried out with the active support of the National Assembly.
“It is crucial to note that the President’s illegal actions could not have succeeded without the support of the Senate, led by Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the House of Representatives, headed by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas,” the letter stated.
NADECO-USA argued that the actions taken in Rivers State undermine the democratic will of its people and set a dangerous precedent that threatens Nigeria’s stability. The group urged the United States government to intervene by applying diplomatic pressure through visa bans on the officials involved.
“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 Mr. Tajudeen Abbas and his family, and the illegal Administrator, Mr. Ibas, and his entire family,” Ukwu wrote.
The coalition said such a move would reinforce the U.S. commitment to upholding democratic values and the rule of law globally. It added that it would also send a strong signal that those who undermine democratic governance will be held accountable.
NADECO-USA also revealed plans to push for similar sanctions from other international allies, including the United Kingdom and the European Union. According to Ukwu, the group is actively exploring all legal and political channels to ensure that the individuals involved are sanctioned accordingly.
“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. Abbas, 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,” the letter read.
The group concluded its appeal by expressing confidence in the United States’ continued support for democratic processes in Nigeria. It called on President Trump and the U.S. State Department to act swiftly in response to what it described as a major threat to Nigeria’s democratic future.
