The African Democratic Congress in Rivers State and the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Charles Wobodo, are at loggerheads over the council’s recent ban on public gatherings, with the opposition party alleging that the directive is aimed at intimidating political opponents ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development comes amid growing security concerns in parts of Ikwerre LG, where recent incidents of killings, kidnappings and attacks on residents have heightened tension.
Recall that Wobodo, in a broadcast last week, announced a ban on all forms of public gatherings in the local government area over alleged security threats from yet-to-be-identified persons.
However, the ADC described the directive as unconstitutional, alleging that it was intended to intimidate and stifle opposition political parties in the state.
The spokesperson for the ADC in Rivers State, Chizi Enyi, said in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday that the directive issued by the Ikwerre LG chairman, purportedly prohibiting all public gatherings within the council area except with his written approval, should concern all lovers of democracy.
Enyi acknowledged the security challenges confronting parts of Ikwerre LG, including recent killings, kidnappings and attacks on innocent citizens.
The statement read, “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.
