Organized Labour Threatens Nationwide Disruption Over State of Emergency in Rivers State

Organized Labour Threatens Nationwide Disruption Over State of Emergency in Rivers State

The Organized Labour has issued a stern warning, stating that it may be forced to take decisive actions that could disrupt national economic activities if the State of Emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu on March 18 is not reversed within a reasonable timeframe.

In a joint statement, signed by Alex Agwanwor (NLC Chairman, Rivers State), Sir Comrade Ikechukwu Onyefuru (TUC Chairman), and Comrade Chuku Emecheta (JNC Chairman), the labour unions condemned the suspension of the elected governor, deputy governor, and House of Assembly members, describing the move as premature and unconstitutional.

The unions argued that the people of Rivers State freely elected these officials, and removing them outside constitutional procedures threatens Nigeria’s democracy.

They also raised concerns over the economic impact of the federal government's actions, particularly the non-payment of salaries to local government workers, which has worsened their financial struggles amid the rising cost of living.

Labour leaders demanded an immediate reversal of the State of Emergency, warning that failure to do so could trigger industrial actions that would have severe economic consequences across the country