Organized Labour in Rivers State has strongly condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in the state by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, 2025, calling the decision “baseless” and unjustified.
Labour decried the suspension of the Executive Governor, Deputy Governor, and House of Assembly members, who were duly elected by the people of Rivers State, insisting that such actions undermine democratic governance.
In a statement jointly signed by Comrade Alex Agwanwor, State Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress; Comrade Ikechukwu Onyefuru, State Chairperson of the Trade Union Congress; and Comrade Chuku Emecheta, Organized Labour expressed concerns over the economic implications of the declaration.
The statement highlighted that local government workers had not received their salaries due to the state of emergency, exposing them to severe financial hardship. It further warned that considering Rivers State’s strategic role in Nigeria’s economy and the Niger Delta region, the move could have dire consequences at a time when the nation is grappling with high inflation, naira devaluation, rising unemployment, and increasing costs of living, including unaffordable electricity tariffs.
“The state of emergency puts the state at a very disadvantaged position as potential investors who have indicated interest in ‘New Rivers Vision’ have all backed out of planned investments in the state, thereby impairing the growing state IGR,” the statement read.
While affirming its support for maintaining law and order, Rivers State Organized Labour insisted that actions such as the declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of elected officials must align with the Nigerian Constitution and protect workers from wage invalidity, salary non-payment, and security threats.
“Government must prioritize the safety and welfare of its citizens over political interests,” the statement added.
The union appealed to the President, National Assembly, and Judiciary to urgently reverse what it termed a premature state of emergency and restore democratic governance in Rivers State.
“The federal government is strongly advised to engage in genuine dialogue to prevent further escalation of the issues in Rivers State.”
Despite its grievances, Labour urged all workers to remain calm and continue their duties while awaiting a favourable response from the authorities. However, it warned that if its demands were not met within a reasonable timeframe, Organized Labour might be compelled to take strategic union actions that could disrupt national economic activities.