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, labeling it as “a direct assault on democracy” and “an overreach of executive power”.
Gatekeepers News reports that the declaration, made on Tuesday, suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the state assembly.
President Tinubu also appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, as the sole administrator of Rivers state.
In a joint statement, NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo expressed concerns about the implications of the declaration, stating that “it sets a dangerous precedent, eroding constitutional governance and threatening the autonomy of subnational governments.”
The labour bodies called on President Tinubu to revoke the declaration, citing Section 305(6) of the Constitution, which outlines the legal process for declaring and sustaining a state of emergency.
They emphasised the need for the President to exercise restraint and respect constitutional limits.
“It sets a dangerous precedent, eroding constitutional governance and threatening the autonomy of subnational governments,” the statement reads.
“No democratic society can thrive where elected leaders are arbitrarily removed at the whims of the President. This reckless move should deeply concern every reasonable governor and citizen who believes in the rule of law.”
“We, therefore, call on Mr. President to revoke this unconstitutional declaration in compliance with Section 305(6) of the Constitution, which clearly outlines the legal process for declaring and sustaining a state of emergency.
“The President, as the custodian of the nation’s executive powers, must exercise restraint, respect constitutional limits, and act in a manner that inspires national confidence rather than suspicion.
“Nigeria has suffered the painful consequences of political overreach in the past, and we cannot afford to repeat such mistakes.
“We demand the immediate reversal of this unconstitutional state of emergency in the interest of democracy, economic stability, and the welfare of Nigerian workers. Nigeria’s democracy must not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.”
