Former Labour Leaders in Rivers State have condemned the imposition of emergency rule in the state, describing it as a “civilian coup” and a “dangerous assault on democracy and the Nigerian constitution”.
Led by Achese Igwe and Comrade Benneth Kalio, the group faulted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency and suspension of the elected state government, saying it represents a hostile takeover and an invitation to military-style dictatorship.
They also criticized the National Assembly for endorsing the emergency declaration via voice vote rather than the constitutionally mandated two-thirds majority, calling the process a blatant disregard for democratic procedure.
The group urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to immediately mobilize against the imposition, warning that the precedent being set in Rivers State threatens not only the state’s stability but the democratic fabric of the nation.
