Organized labour in Rivers State has threatened to embark on “strategic union actions” that could disrupt national economic activities if President Bola Tinubu does not reverse the emergency rule imposed on the state.
In a joint statement signed by leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Rivers, the unions said the emergency rule has affected the payment of workers’ salaries, causing hardship among civil servants in the state.
On March 18, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing political instability and crisis. As part of the directive, he suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
In their statement, the NLC and TUC condemned the action, describing it as unconstitutional and detrimental to the welfare of workers. They warned that if the situation is not reversed, they will mobilize their members for mass industrial action, which could cripple economic activities in the state and beyond.
The unions also criticized the appointment of Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the sole administrator of the state, arguing that such a move undermines democratic governance and the will of the people.
They called on the federal government to engage stakeholders in dialogue and restore democratic leadership in Rivers to prevent further unrest and disruption.
Details later…
