By Ayo Kehinde
The Niger Delta Congress (NDC) has issued a stern warning to the Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas (retd.), over any attempt to clamp down on peaceful protesters demonstrating against the recent declaration of emergency rule in the state.
The group made the statement on Thursday, April 24, following a controversial comment attributed to the Administrator’s media aide, Hector Igbikiowubo, who reportedly said the emergency rule grants Ibas “sweeping powers” to take any action deemed necessary.
In a statement signed by its National Spokesperson, Mudiaga Ogboru, the NDC described the comment as troubling and reminiscent of repressive actions during the #EndSARS protests of October 2020, when security forces allegedly opened fire on unarmed demonstrators.
“Any violence exacted against Rivers people exercising their inalienable rights as protected by the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter will be seen as a grave provocation by Vice Admiral Ibas and will be resisted through every lawful means,” the NDC warned.
The group condemned the declaration of emergency rule and the appointment of Ibas, calling both actions unconstitutional and undemocratic. It also urged Rivers residents to intensify peaceful protests against what it described as a “civilian coup” backed by the Federal Government.
The statement reads in part:
“The Niger Delta Congress has taken note of alleged plans by Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas to unleash violence on peaceful pro-democracy demonstrators under the guise of having ‘sweeping powers’. This is nothing short of a move to silence legitimate dissent.”
The NDC further alleged that its members, including leaders, have recently come under attack in Rivers State. It cited incidents such as the abduction and detention of its President by the police on March 26, 2025, and the reported use of live ammunition and tear gas during an April 7 protest led by NDC and the Take it Back (TiB) movement.
Several demonstrators, the statement added, sustained injuries and required medical attention, while others were wrongfully labelled as criminals by the police.
“The silence of the NDC till now should not be mistaken for weakness,” the group said. “It was out of respect for ongoing consultations with elders and legal actions in the works.
The group concluded by urging the people of Rivers State to remain steadfast and continue peaceful demonstrations, assuring them of NDC’s full support in the fight against what it termed “injustice and tyranny.”
