The Organised Labour has issued a stern warning against the federal government’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, vowing to take decisive action that could disrupt national economic activities if the proclamation is not reversed swiftly.
In a joint statement signed by Rivers State Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Alex Agwanwor; Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairperson, Ikechukwu Onyefuru; and Joint Negotiation Council (JNC) Chairperson, Chuku Emecheta, the unions condemned the emergency rule as illegal, economically damaging, and a threat to democracy.
The labour leaders slammed the suspension of elected officials, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the House of Assembly, describing the move as undemocratic and unconstitutional.
‘A Direct Attack on Democracy’
According to the unions, the people of Rivers State freely elected these officials, and any attempt to remove them outside constitutional processes undermines the nation’s democratic foundation. They demanded an immediate reversal of the emergency rule to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic integrity.
The labour unions also decried the economic toll of the crisis, revealing that many local government workers have not received their salaries since the emergency rule was imposed. They warned that withholding workers’ wages amid rising inflation and a harsh economic climate was pushing many families into financial distress.
Economic Consequences Loom
The statement highlighted Rivers State’s strategic economic role, warning that instability in the region could worsen the nation’s already fragile economy. The unions pointed out that inflation, currency devaluation, and unemployment were already crippling Nigerians, and further political unrest in a key oil-producing state could have devastating ripple effects nationwide.
They also accused the emergency rule of scaring away investors, resulting in a decline in the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) and long-term damage to economic growth.
Ultimatum to Federal Government
While acknowledging the need for law and order, the Organised Labour insisted that governance must align with constitutional principles. The unions urged President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, and the judiciary to act immediately by reversing the emergency rule and reinstating the suspended officials.
They called for a peaceful resolution through dialogue but warned that failure to address their demands could force them to take drastic action. If pushed, they said, the labour movement could embark on nationwide protests and strikes, potentially crippling economic activities across the country.
As the crisis deepens, all eyes are on the federal government’s next move, with the looming threat of industrial action hanging over an already strained economy.
