Rivers LG chairman, opposition trade words over ban on public gatherings

A political dispute has erupted in Rivers State, Nigeria, between the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Charles Wobodo, over a recent ban on public gatherings. The opposition party accuses Wobodo of using the directive to suppress political opponents in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.

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We sympathise with the families of those who have lost loved ones and support every lawful effort aimed at restoring peace and security. However, 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.

Wobodo announced the ban last week, citing security threats from unidentified individuals and heightened tensions due to recent incidents of killings, kidnappings, and attacks on residents within the Ikwerre LG. However, the ADC has condemned the directive as unconstitutional and a tool for intimidation.

Chizi Enyi, spokesperson for the ADC in Rivers State, stated that the ban, which reportedly prohibits all public gatherings without the LG chairman's written approval, is a cause for concern for democratic advocates. While acknowledging the severe security challenges, Enyi emphasized that insecurity should not be a justification for undermining constitutional democracy or infringing upon the rights of law-abiding citizens. The party highlighted that the rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of association, and political participation are constitutionally guaranteed and cannot be subject to the personal approval of a local government chairman.

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The directive raises fundamental constitutional questions. 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 ADC further alleges that this directive is part of a pattern of intimidation and disruption of their lawful political meetings over several months. The party fears that if left unchallenged, this ban could set a precedent for similar actions in other local government areas, thereby shrinking the democratic space as Rivers State approaches the 2027 elections. The party stressed the importance of confronting security threats through lawful means, such as identifying and arresting perpetrators, rather than restricting fundamental rights.

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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.