Labour Vows To Take Action If Rivers Emergency Rule Is Not Reversed

The Organised Labour has condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State,.warning that it may resort to drastic action that could disrupt the country’s economy if the decision is not reversed soon.

In a joint statement, the Rivers State leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Joint Negotiation Council (JNC)—Alex Agwanwor, Ikechukwu Onyefuru, and Chuku Emecheta—criticized the federal government’s move, calling it unlawful and damaging.

They condemned the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly,.

The unions argued that removing elected officials without due process undermines democracy.

They insisted that reversing these actions was essential to upholding Nigeria’s constitutional system.

Labour leaders also raised concerns about the economic impact of the emergency rule, noting that many local government workers have not been paid their salaries.

With the high cost of living already burdening citizens, they warned that withholding wages would only worsen financial hardship.

Furthermore, they highlighted Rivers State’s vital role in Nigeria’s economy, particularly in the Niger Delta region.

They cautioned that the ongoing political turmoil could deter investors, reduce internally generated revenue (IGR), and lead to long-term economic instability.

While acknowledging the need for law and order, the unions stressed that any government action must align with constitutional principles.

The unions argued that suspending officials and delaying salaries would only escalate security and economic challenges.

The statement urged President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, and the judiciary to immediately revoke the state of emergency and reinstate the suspended officials.

The Labour leaders also called for dialogue with relevant stakeholders to resolve the crisis peacefully.

Workers were encouraged to remain calm and continue their duties, but the unions warned that they would not hesitate to take decisive action if their demands were ignored.

Such action, they emphasized, could have far-reaching consequences for the nation’s economy.

KanyiDaily recalls that former President, Goodluck Jonathan recently condemned the suspension of elected officials in Rivers by President Tinubu, warning that such actions could damage Nigeria’s reputation.