₦airaland Forum

Organised Labour threatens nationwide disruption over emergency rule in Rivers State

The Organised Labour leaders have issued a strong warning to the Federal Government, demanding an immediate reversal of the state of emergency declared in Rivers State.

The unions cautioned that failure to rescind the decision within a reasonable timeframe could lead to widespread industrial action, which may severely impact economic activities nationwide.

In a joint statement 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 strongly condemned the declaration of emergency rule.

They described the move as unjustified, unconstitutional, and a threat to democracy.

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, these officials were freely elected by the people, and their removal outside constitutional provisions undermines the democratic process.


Economic and Legal Concerns
Labour leaders raised concerns over the legality of the federal government’s action, stating that it 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.

Additionally, the unions emphasised 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.



Call for Reversal and Dialogue

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.

Threat of Industrial Action

The unions warned that they would mobilise workers for nationwide industrial action if their demands were not met. They also called on all workers in Rivers State to remain calm but vigilant, assuring them that they would take decisive steps to protect their rights.

Should the Federal Government fail to act within a reasonable timeframe, the labour leaders say they will be left with no choice but to embark on a series of actions that will have far-reaching consequences on national economic activities.

President Bola Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast last week, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following months of escalating political unrest and violence.

The declaration comes as a response to the deteriorating security situation in the state, which has seen a surge in clashes between rival political factions, leading to loss of lives and property.

As part of the emergency measures, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have been suspended for an initial period of six months.

To oversee the state during this period, President Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as the military administrator.

helinues:
Fake news

Sunnyshinylight:
Dreamer

helinues:
You just described yourself

Sunnyshinylight:
Do you understand English?

helinues:
No, I only understand Egun. Sai tome?

Sunnyshinylight:
No wonder you are so backward. Hey folks this guy is zop but he's backed.

helinues:
You could have written that in pidgin seh you know as you ended up saying nothing

Sunnyshinylight:
Okay you didn't understand, I wasn't talking to you, I was announcing your title, hope you heard, hello egunnnnn

helinues:
Where is the sense in what you wrote above?

yarimo:
Where were they when unfortunate FUBARA refused to give lawmakers their salaries for over a year?

Sunnyshinylight:
https://nairametrics.com/2025/03/25/organised-labour-threatens-nationwide-disruption-over-emergency-rule-in-rivers-state/

Asonaijaaso:
Labour must shut down the entire country—not just to reverse the emergency rule in Rivers State, but to defend democracy itself and crush godfatherism once and for all.

This is not just about one state; it is about whether Nigerians will ever be free from the grip of a corrupt elite that trades power like a family business. If we do not remove these kinks from the system now, our democracy will never grow.

Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers is an insult to democracy—it is nothing but a politically motivated coup dressed as governance. If a governor can be removed this easily, then what stops them from dissolving any other elected office tomorrow?

Labour must go beyond threats. Shut everything down. Block the roads. Cripple the economy. Paralyze the government. Let them feel the weight of the people’s anger. If this blatant abuse of power stands, it sets a precedent that no election in Nigeria means anything anymore.

It’s time to make politicians accountable. If they sell out, rig, betray the people, or abuse power, they must know that the consequences will be immediate and severe. The people must be willing to fight.

The time for silence is over. The time for action is now. Enough is enough.

Kewtt:
You dey believe the incompetents called labour?

Sunnyshinylight:
As expected.


But you know it is all talk no action, that's while tinubu keep getting away with all the impunities he is doing.

Wake up folks, your president doesn't mean well for you, he's all out to enrich himself and cronies.

Wake up organised labour unions, civil society and the likes.


Wake up folks.