The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as hasty and unconstitutional. In a joint statement signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo, the unions called for the immediate reversal of the declaration, stating that it violates Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and constitutes an overreach of executive power.
The labour unions criticized the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly, calling it a direct assault on democracy. “No democratic society can thrive where elected leaders are arbitrarily removed at the whims of the President. This reckless move should deeply concern every reasonable governor and citizen who believes in the rule of law,” the statement read.
The unions urged President Tinubu to revoke the declaration, emphasizing that it undermines constitutional governance and threatens the autonomy of subnational governments. They warned that the state of emergency would have severe socio-economic repercussions, including job losses, wage cuts, and economic hardship for workers.
“Nigeria has suffered the painful consequences of political overreach in the past, and we cannot afford to repeat such mistakes,” the statement added. The labour movement vowed not to remain silent while the livelihoods of workers and the well-being of Nigerians are threatened by political actions.
The unions called on President Tinubu to uphold democratic principles and avoid actions reminiscent of military-era authoritarianism. “We demand the immediate reversal of this unconstitutional state of emergency in the interest of democracy, economic stability, and the welfare of Nigerian workers,” the statement concluded.
