Organized Labor has vehemently opposed the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, threatening to take drastic measures that could paralyze national economic activities unless the decision is rescinded promptly.
In a joint statement signed by Rivers State labor leaders – Alex Agwanwor (NLC Chairperson), Ikechukwu Onyefuru (TUC Chairperson), and Chuku Emecheta (JNC Chairperson) – the unions questioned the legality and economic implications of the federal government’s move.
The labor groups denounced both the emergency declaration and the suspension of duly elected officials – Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and State Assembly members – as unjustified and unconstitutional. They emphasized that these officials were democratically elected by Rivers people, and any removal outside proper legal channels constitutes a threat to democracy.
The unions demanded immediate reversal of these actions to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic principles. They also pointed to the severe financial distress already facing local government workers, many of whom have been left unpaid due to the current crisis.
The statement noted that withholding workers’ wages has exposed them to avoidable economic suffering, particularly at a time when the cost of living is already high.
The Organised Labour warned that the state of emergency could have devastating economic consequences, emphasising Rivers State’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s economy and the Niger Delta region.
It said with the nation already grappling with inflation, naira devaluation, high exchange rates, rising unemployment, and skyrocketing living costs, further instability in Rivers State could worsen the situation nationwide.
The statement also pointed out that the political uncertainty caused by the state of emergency has driven away potential investors who had expressed interest in the state’s economic initiative.
This loss of investment, according to labour leaders, is damaging the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) and will have long-term consequences for economic development and employment opportunities in the region.
While acknowledging the need for maintaining law and order, the Organized Labour stressed that such actions must be carried out within the framework of the Nigerian Constitution.
The unions argued that suspending elected officials and allegedly disrupting salary payments for workers violate fundamental rights and could worsen security and economic challenges.
They urged the Federal Government to prioritise the safety and welfare of citizens over political interests, warning that any governance approach that sacrifices workers’ well-being for political maneuvers would only heighten tensions and resistance.
The statement called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, and the judiciary to take immediate steps to reverse the state of emergency and reinstate the suspended elected officials.
In a bid to resolve the situation peacefully, the unions advised the federal government to engage in meaningful dialogue with relevant stakeholders.
They warned that a failure to do so could lead to further escalation of the crisis, worsening the already tense political atmosphere in the state.
While calling on workers to remain calm and continue their duties, the Organised Labour leaders warned that they would not hesitate to take strategic union actions if their demands were not met within a reasonable timeframe.
Such actions, they emphasised, could have significant consequences for national economic activities.