Organised Labour has condemned the federal government’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, warning of potential disruptions to national economic activities if the proclamation isn’t reversed.
Gatekeepers News reports that the labour leaders, in a joint statement signed by the Rivers State Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Alex Agwanwor; State Chairperson of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ikechukwu Onyefuru; and Chairperson of the Joint Negotiation Council (JNC), Chuku Emecheta, expressed concerns about the legality, economic impact, and consequences of the federal government’s actions.
The unions described the suspension of elected officials, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, as premature and baseless, undermining democracy and causing hardship for local government workers.
Labour leaders warned that the state of emergency could have devastating economic consequences, driving away investors and damaging the state’s internally generated revenue.
While acknowledging the need for maintaining law and order, the unions stressed that such actions must be carried out within the framework of the Nigerian Constitution.
The statement called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, and the judiciary to take immediate steps to reverse the state of emergency and reinstate the suspended elected officials.
