The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State has criticised the decision by the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Charles Wobodo, to ban all public events in the council, describing the directive as unconstitutional and a threat to democratic rights.
The party’s Publicity Secretary in the state, Barr. Chizy Enyi, made the position known in a statement issued in Port Harcourt.
Wobodo had announced the ban in a broadcast on Saturday, saying the measure had become necessary because of repeated security challenges in the local government area.
Reacting, the ADC said that although it recognised the security concerns in Ikwerre, prohibiting public gatherings was not the right solution.
“The African Democratic Congress, Rivers State Chapter, has noted with grave concern the directive issued by the Executive Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government purporting to prohibit all gatherings within the Local Government Area except with his personal written approval,” Enyi said.
He noted that the party sympathised with families who had lost loved ones in recent attacks and supported lawful efforts to restore peace.
“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,” he added.
Enyi argued that the directive raised constitutional concerns, especially as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the rights to freedom of assembly and political participation are guaranteed by the Constitution and should not be subject to the personal approval of any local government chairman.
He
