The Organised Labour has rejected the state of emergency in Rivers State, warning that it may take nationwide action that could disrupt economic activities if the decision is not reversed immediately.
In a statement, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Rivers State Chairperson, Alex Agwanwor; Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairperson, Ikechukwu Onyefuru; and Joint Negotiation Council (JNC) Chairperson, Chuku Emecheta condemned the federal government’s decision and questioned its legality, economic impact, and democratic consequences.
The labour unions insist that the state of emergency in Rivers State undermines democracy and violates the constitutional rights of elected officials, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu.
Labour Unions Demand Reversal
According to the labour leaders, the state of emergency in Rivers State is a political move that threatens democratic stability. They argue that the suspension of elected leaders is unconstitutional, warning that any attempt to forcefully remove officials outside due process will not be tolerated.
The statement emphasized that the federal government must reverse the state of emergency in Rivers State to protect Nigeria’s democracy. Failure to do so, they warned, will lead to industrial action that could disrupt major sectors of the economy.
Labour Unions Warn of Economic Disruptions
The labour unions remain firm in their demand that the state of emergency in Rivers State be reversed immediately. They have vowed to mobilize nationwide protests and strikes if the federal government fails to restore democratic order.
The state of emergency in Rivers State remains a contentious issue, with labour unions rejecting it outright and warning of serious economic consequences if their demands are ignored.