Rivers State, a critical economic hub in the Niger Delta, plays a vital role in Nigeria’s economy. The labour unions warned that political instability in the state could deter potential investors, reduce internally generated revenue (IGR), and threaten long-term economic growth and employment.
Port Harcourt, Nigeria – Organized labour unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Joint Negotiation Council (JNC), have strongly opposed the Federal Government’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. PThey have issued a stern warning, demanding an immediate reversal of the decision, failing which they may embark on industrial action that could disrupt national economic activities.
In a joint statement signed by Alex Agwanwor (NLC Rivers State Chairperson), Ikechukwu Onyefuru (TUC State Chairperson), and Chuku Emecheta (JNC Chairperson), the unions condemned the emergency rule as unconstitutional and undemocratic. They decried the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly, arguing that elected officials should only be removed through legal and constitutional means.
The unions expressed deep concerns over the economic implications of the Federal Government’s action, highlighting that many local government workers in the state had yet to receive their salaries due to the emergency rule. This, they noted, has exacerbated financial difficulties for workers, especially amid rising inflation, a depreciating currency, and soaring living costs.
Rivers State, a critical economic hub in the Niger Delta, plays a vital role in Nigeria’s economy. The labour unions warned that political instability in the state could deter potential investors, reduce internally generated revenue (IGR), and threaten long-term economic growth and employment.
While acknowledging the need to maintain law and order, the labour leaders insisted that such measures must be taken within the confines of the Nigerian Constitution. They described the suspension of elected officials and the alleged withholding of workers’ wages as violations of fundamental rights that could aggravate the country’s security and economic crises.
The unions called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, and the judiciary to swiftly intervene and reverse the emergency rule. They urged the government to pursue a peaceful resolution through dialogue with key stakeholders to prevent further escalation of tensions in the politically sensitive state.
Although the unions encouraged workers to remain calm and continue their duties, they reaffirmed their commitment to protecting workers’ rights and upholding democracy. However, they warned that if their demands were not met within a reasonable timeframe, they would not hesitate to take decisive industrial actions that could significantly disrupt economic activities across Nigeria.
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