By The Peoples’ Insight
The organised labour in Rivers State has issued a stern warning to the federal government, threatening to embark on widespread industrial action that could disrupt national economic activities if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu fails to reverse the emergency rule imposed on the state.
In a strongly worded joint statement, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) condemned the emergency rule, highlighting its devastating impact on the state’s workforce, particularly the non-payment of workers’ salaries. The statement, dated March 24, 2025, was signed by Alex Agwanwor, chairperson of the NLC in Rivers State; Ikechukwu Onyefuru, chairperson of Rivers TUC; and Chuku Emecheta, chairperson of the Joint Negotiation Council (JNC).
Economic Hardship Worsens as Workers Go Unpaid
The labour unions lamented that the emergency rule has left thousands of local government employees without salaries, plunging them into severe economic hardship. Many workers are now struggling to meet their basic needs, a situation that has sparked widespread concern and unrest across the state.
Beyond the immediate concerns of workers’ welfare, the unions also pointed to the far-reaching economic consequences of the emergency rule. According to them, the political instability has deterred prospective investors who had previously shown interest in the state’s economic development agenda under the ‘New Rivers Vision.’ Several planned investments have either been suspended or withdrawn, exacerbating the state’s economic woes.
Labour Demands an End to the Emergency Rule
While the Rivers State labour unions emphasized their support for maintaining law and order, they insisted that any measures taken must align with constitutional provisions and protect workers from undue hardship. They strongly opposed the arbitrary removal of elected officials and called for immediate steps to restore democratic governance in the state.
“The Rivers State organised labour supports the need for security and stability but insists that actions such as declaring a state of emergency and suspending elected officials must be in line with the Nigerian Constitution. These actions should not be used as political tools that jeopardize the welfare of workers through wage invalidity, unpaid salaries, and increased security threats,” the statement read.
Labour leaders further called on the president, National Assembly, and the Judiciary to take urgent steps to reverse the emergency rule and reinstate the suspended elected officials. They warned that failure to address these concerns could lead to nationwide protests that may cripple key sectors of the economy.
“The federal government must prioritize the safety and welfare of citizens over political interests. We strongly urge the authorities to engage in sincere dialogue to prevent further escalation of tensions in Rivers State. All workers are advised to remain calm and continue their duties while awaiting a favorable resolution. However, should our demands not be met within a reasonable timeframe, we will be compelled to initiate strategic union actions that may disrupt national economic activities,” the statement concluded.
National Labour Leaders Condemn Tinubu’s Decision
The national leadership of the organised labour, comprising both the NLC and TUC, has also weighed in on the crisis, describing President Tinubu’s decision as a dangerous precedent that undermines democracy.
In a separate statement issued last week Wednesday, titled *“Stop This Assault on Democracy,”* the national presidents of NLC and TUC, Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, denounced the emergency rule as unconstitutional. According to them, the move violates Part II, Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and represents an overreach of executive authority.
“No democratic society can flourish where elected leaders are arbitrarily removed at the whims of the president. This reckless move should concern every reasonable governor and citizen who values the rule of law,” the statement read.
The labour leaders urged President Tinubu to immediately revoke the declaration in compliance with Section 305(6) of the Constitution, which outlines the legal framework for declaring and sustaining a state of emergency.
With tensions rising and labour unions threatening large-scale industrial action, all eyes are now on the federal government’s next move. Will President Tinubu heed the call for dialogue and constitutional adherence, or will the nation brace for another wave of economic disruptions? Time will tell.
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