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, calling it “hasty and unconstitutional”. In a joint statement signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo, the unions demanded the immediate reversal of the declaration, citing blatant violations of the 1999 Constitution.
The labour unions argued that the suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and State House of Assembly is unlawful and a direct assault on democracy. They warned that this move sets a dangerous precedent, eroding constitutional governance and threatening the autonomy of subnational governments.
The NLC and TUC urged President Tinubu to revoke the declaration, citing the need to respect constitutional limits and act in a manner that inspires national confidence. They emphasized that any decision that jeopardizes national security, economic stability, and democratic governance must be reconsidered.
The unions also highlighted the severe socio-economic repercussions of the state of emergency, including:
– Disruption of Economic Activities: Forcing businesses to shut down or scale back operations
– Job Losses and Economic Hardship: Thousands of workers in both formal and informal sectors will be affected
– Uncertainty and Reduced Investment: Discouraging investment and slowing economic growth in Rivers State and beyond
– Security Risks: Exposing citizens to security risks, as history has shown that politically motivated states of emergency often escalate rather than resolve crises
The labour movement vowed not to remain silent while the livelihoods of workers and ordinary Nigerians are threatened by political machinations. They urged President Tinubu to reconsider his actions and prioritize democratic principles.
