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The National Democratic Coalition (NADECO USA) has officially petitioned the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, urging the imposition of visa bans on several prominent Nigerian political figures.
The letter, addressed directly to President Trump at the White House, requests restrictions against the Nigerian Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; and the appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas.
A copy of this correspondence was made available to members of the press and bears the signature of Lloyd Ukwu, Executive Director of NADECO USA.
In the letter, Lloyd Ukwu emphasizes that the suggested visa restrictions represent a measured response to what NADECO USA describes as the serious involvement of the aforementioned officials in actions that violate democratic norms within Rivers State.
The letter outlines in detail the basis of the coalition’s concerns: “On March 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, a declaration we contend was both unfounded and unconstitutional. Utilizing this state of emergency, President Tinubu purportedly assumed extraordinary powers under the Nigerian Constitution, enabling him to suspend the democratically elected Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Sim Fubara, along with his Deputy, Dr. Ngozi Odu, and the entire membership of the state’s House of Assembly. Subsequently, the President appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State. This appointment, we assert, contravenes both the Nigerian Constitution and internationally accepted democratic principles.”
The letter further highlights that the success of these undemocratic actions hinged on the support of Nigeria’s legislative leadership, specifically naming Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, as key enablers.
NADECO USA’s communication underscores that these developments severely undermine the democratic foundation of Nigeria and flagrantly ignore the will of the Rivers State electorate, who lawfully chose their governor through legitimate democratic processes.
Recognizing the United States’ long-standing commitment to promoting democracy globally, NADECO USA appeals to President Trump to direct the U.S. Department of State to implement a visa ban targeting Senate President Akpabio and his family, Speaker Abbas and his family, as well as Vice Admiral Ibas and his family.
The coalition believes this measure would send a resolute message in defense of democratic governance and the rule of law in Nigeria.
“By taking such decisive action,” the letter states, “the United States would unequivocally affirm its intolerance for any conduct that erodes democracy and disenfranchises the people. This visa ban would constitute a proportionate and just response to the egregious involvement of these officials in undermining democratic institutions.”
Additionally, NADECO USA disclosed ongoing efforts to advocate for similar visa restrictions against the same individuals and their families within the United Kingdom and the European Union.
The organization also committed to pursuing all available legal and political mechanisms, both within Nigeria and internationally, to hold these individuals accountable for their damaging role in destabilizing Nigeria’s fledgling democracy—particularly in Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta region.
Concluding the letter, NADECO USA respectfully requests that President Trump and the United States government consider this appeal carefully and take prompt action.
The coalition expressed confidence that the President, through the Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, will continue to champion democratic values and the rule of law in Nigeria.