The Organised Labour has condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, warning that it may take decisive action that could disrupt national economic activities if the decision is not reversed promptly.
In a joint statement signed by Alex Agwanwor (Rivers State Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress), Ikechukwu Onyefuru (State Chairperson of the Trade Union Congress), and Chuku Emecheta (Chairperson of the Joint Negotiation Council), the unions raised concerns about the legality, economic impact, and consequences of the federal government’s actions.
Labour leaders described the suspension of elected officials, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the House of Assembly, as unconstitutional and a threat to democracy. They insisted that the people of Rivers State freely elected these officials, and the government must reverse any attempt to remove them outside constitutional processes to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic system.
The unions also highlighted the economic hardship caused by the emergency rule, noting that many local government workers have yet to receive their salaries.
They argued that withholding wages has worsened financial struggles, especially in an economy already grappling with inflation, naira devaluation, and high living costs.
Emphasizing Rivers State’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s economy and the Niger Delta region, the Organised Labour warned that the state of emergency could deter investors, weaken internally generated revenue (IGR), and have lasting consequences on employment and economic growth.
While acknowledging the need for law and order, the unions stressed that governance actions must align with constitutional provisions. They urged the federal government to prioritize citizens’ welfare over political maneuvers, cautioning that policies undermining workers’ rights could escalate tensions.
The statement called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, and the judiciary to take immediate steps to reverse the state of emergency and reinstate the suspended officials.
The unions advised the federal government to engage in meaningful dialogue with relevant stakeholders to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
The Organised Labour leaders urged workers to remain calm but warned that they would not hesitate to take strategic actions if the government failed to meet their demands within a reasonable timeframe—an outcome that could significantly impact national economic activities.
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