Organised labour in Rivers State has issued a stern warning to the federal government, threatening a nationwide strike if the recent state of emergency declared in the state is not reversed promptly. In a joint statement, the state chairpersons of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Alex Agwanwor; the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ikechukwu Onyefuru; and the Joint Negotiation Council (JNC), Chuku Emecheta, condemned the declaration and described it as unlawful and politically motivated.
The labour leaders voiced strong opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s declaration, which saw the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and several members of the House of Assembly. They argued that the emergency rule lacked legal merit and bypassed constitutional processes, thereby undermining democratic governance in the state.
According to the unions, the suspended leaders were duly elected by the people of Rivers State, and their removal through executive fiat sets a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy. They called for an immediate reversal of the declaration to preserve democratic values and restore public trust in political institutions.
The statement also highlighted the growing economic hardship caused by the emergency rule, particularly for local government employees who have not received their salaries. The labour groups warned that failure to act swiftly could trigger a broader industrial action that would disrupt national economic activities.
The unions reiterated their commitment to defending democracy and protecting the rights of workers across Nigeria. They urged the federal government to prioritize dialogue and constitutional procedures over arbitrary actions.
