The organised labour in Rivers State has urged President Tinubu to withdraw the Sole Administrator he imposed on Rivers State and call off the emergency without further delay.
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, signed by the Rivers State Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Alex Agwanwor; State Chairperson of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ikechukwu Onyefuru; and Chairperson of the Joint Negotiation Council (JNC), Chuku Emecheta, the labour unions described the the state of emergency as unjustified, unconstitutional, and a threat to democracy.
The unions threatened to embark on industrial action that would cripple socio-economic activities in the state should the Tinubu led administration fail to do the needful.
The unions argued that the suspension of elected Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly was not only premature but also politically motivated.
According to them, the suspended officials were freely elected by the people, stressing that their removal outside constitutional provisions undermines the democratic process.
The labour leaders argued that the action of federal government sets a dangerous precedent that could destabilise other states in the future. They warned that the move could lead to an erosion of democratic governance and discourage citizen participation in elections.
Read also: NLC tasks Tinubu to revoke state of emergency in Rivers
They noted the economic repercussions of the state of emergency, citing its impact on local government workers, many of whom have not received their salaries since the crisis began.
The labour unions also noted that the emergency rule has created uncertainty for businesses and investors, discouraging economic activities in Rivers State. This, they said, is detrimental to the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) and could lead to long-term economic stagnation.
While acknowledging the importance of maintaining law and order, the organised labour stressed that it must be done within the framework of the Nigerian Constitution. They urged the Federal Government to reconsider its decision, reinstate the suspended officials, and prioritise the welfare of Rivers State workers.
The statement specifically called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, and the judiciary to intervene swiftly and ensure that democratic institutions are not undermined.
