– Organized Labour in Rivers State has strongly condemned the declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling it “baseless” and detrimental to both governance and the welfare of workers.
In a joint statement signed by Comrade Alex Agwanwor (Chairperson, NLC Rivers State), Comrade Ikechukwu Onyefuru (Chairperson, TUC Rivers State), and Comrade Chuku Emecheta (JP), the labour leaders decried the suspension of the state’s Executive Governor, Deputy Governor, and House of Assembly members, stressing that the action undermines democracy and the will of the people.
Labour further highlighted the economic hardship inflicted on local government workers, who have yet to receive their salaries due to the emergency rule. The statement emphasized that at a time when Nigeria is grappling with high inflation, naira devaluation, rising unemployment, and soaring living costs, the federal government’s decision has only worsened the situation in the oil-rich state.
The labour leaders warned that the state of emergency is discouraging potential investors from committing to the “New Rivers Vision,” leading to revenue losses and weakening the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
“While we support the need to maintain law and order, any such action must be in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution and must not jeopardize the welfare of workers,” the statement read.
Organized Labour is now calling on the President, National Assembly, and Judiciary to immediately reverse the state of emergency and reinstate the suspended elected officials. They also urged the federal government to engage in genuine dialogue to resolve the political crisis and prevent further escalation.
Meanwhile, workers in the state have been advised to remain calm and continue their duties, even as labour leaders threatened industrial action that could disrupt national economic activities if their demands are not met within a reasonable timeframe.
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