The Organised Labour has issued a strong warning against the federal government’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, stating that it could resort to decisive action capable of disrupting national economic activities if the proclamation is not reversed within a reasonable timeframe.
The labour unions expressed deep concerns over the legality, economic implications, and broader consequences of the decision.
In a statement jointly signed by the Rivers State Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Alex Agwanwor; the State Chairperson of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ikechukwu Onyefuru; and the Chairperson of the Joint Negotiation Council (JNC), Chuku Emecheta, the labour unions condemned the emergency rule, calling it premature and baseless.
Democracy Under Threat
The union leaders argued that the people of Rivers State had freely elected Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the state’s House of Assembly members, and that any attempt to remove them outside the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution undermines democratic principles.
“The declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of the elected governor, deputy governor, and lawmakers are undemocratic and unconstitutional. We strongly oppose any action that threatens democracy and due process,” the statement read.
They called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, and the judiciary to immediately take steps to reverse the decision and reinstate the suspended officials.
The union further insisted that such measures must be taken to protect Nigeria’s democratic integrity.
Economic Consequences of Emergency Rule
The Organised Labour also pointed out that the emergency rule has already had dire consequences for local government workers in Rivers State, many of whom have yet to receive their salaries.
According to the unions, withholding workers’ wages at a time when the country is battling rising inflation, naira devaluation, high exchange rates, increasing unemployment, and soaring living costs is inhumane and unacceptable.
“The failure to pay salaries has subjected thousands of workers to avoidable economic hardship. This is an injustice that cannot be tolerated,” the statement emphasized.
Rivers State plays a significant role in Nigeria’s economic structure, especially due to its position as an oil-rich state in the Niger Delta. The unions warned that further political instability could discourage investors, negatively impact the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and lead to job losses.
“The political uncertainty caused by this emergency rule has already driven away potential investors who had expressed interest in Rivers State’s economic initiatives. The loss of such investments will have long-term consequences for employment and economic development,” the union leaders added.
Violation of Workers’ Rights
Labour leaders also criticized the federal government for allegedly disrupting salary payments for workers, arguing that such actions violate fundamental rights and could worsen security and economic challenges.
They stressed that while law and order must be maintained, governance must adhere to constitutional provisions. The unions warned that prioritizing political interests over citizens’ welfare could lead to heightened tensions and resistance.
“The government must ensure that the security and welfare of citizens come first before any political considerations. Any governance approach that sacrifices workers’ well-being for political maneuvering will only increase the crisis,” the statement cautioned.
Call for Dialogue and Immediate Action
As part of efforts to resolve the issue peacefully, the Organised Labour urged the federal government to engage in meaningful dialogue with all relevant stakeholders to find a lasting solution.
They emphasized that a failure to engage in discussions could lead to further escalation of the crisis, exacerbating the already tense political atmosphere in Rivers State.
The union leaders also urged workers to remain calm and continue their duties while monitoring developments closely.
However, they warned that if their demands were not met within a reasonable timeframe, they would be left with no choice but to take strategic union actions that could significantly affect national economic activities.
“We urge the government to act swiftly to prevent avoidable disruption of the national economy.
The decision to declare an emergency rule must be reversed to restore democracy and economic stability in Rivers State,” the union concluded.
The crisis in Rivers State continues to generate widespread reactions, with Organised Labour now adding its voice to the opposition against emergency rule.
As pressure mounts on the federal government, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the administration responds to growing calls for a reversal of the controversial decision.
The coming days may prove critical in determining the stability of governance and economic activities in the state and the nation at large.
