The organized labour in Rivers State has issued a stern warning, threatening to embark on “strategic union actions” that could disrupt national economic activities if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not reverse the emergency rule imposed on the state. In a joint statement from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), leaders expressed deep concerns over the negative impacts of the emergency rule, particularly its effect on workers’ salaries.
Signed by prominent union leaders, including NLC chair Alex Agwanwor and TUC chair Ikechukwu Onyefuru, the statement highlighted that local government workers are struggling with severe economic hardships due to delayed salaries. The unions emphasized that while they support maintaining law and order, the declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of elected officials must align with the Nigerian Constitution.
The unions called for an urgent reversal of the state of emergency, urging the federal government to engage in meaningful dialogue to address the issues in Rivers State. They warned that failure to meet their demands within a reasonable timeframe may lead to significant disruptions in economic activities across the nation.
Earlier, the national leadership of the organized labour criticized the emergency rule as a “direct assault on democracy,” arguing that it undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent for executive overreach. They urged the government to adhere to constitutional procedures when handling political crises, reinforcing the need for checks and balances in governance.
Additionally, the Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe (ANPE) condemned the situation in Rivers State, calling for a swift reversal of the emergency measures, citing concerns over investor confidence and the implications for Nigeria’s democratic reputation.
As tensions rise, the labour unions have signaled their readiness to mobilize workers and take action if necessary, leaving the state and the nation on alert for potential unrest in response to the government’s handling of the crisis.
