Organised Labour has issued a strong condemnation of the declared state of emergency in Rivers State, threatening to disrupt national economic activities if the decision is not reversed promptly.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and Joint Negotiation Council (JNC) in Rivers State jointly released a statement expressing their concerns about the legality, economic impact, and consequences of the federal government’s actions.
They deemed the declaration and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the House of Assembly as premature and unfounded, asserting that these officials were democratically elected and their removal undermines democratic principles.
The labour unions highlighted the immediate hardship faced by local government workers due to unpaid salaries, exacerbating their economic struggles amidst the high cost of living.
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They also warned of the potentially devastating economic impact of the state of emergency on Rivers State, a crucial contributor to Nigeria’s economy and the Niger Delta region, particularly given the nation’s existing economic challenges.
They pointed out that the political instability has deterred potential investors, negatively affecting the state’s internally generated revenue and long-term economic prospects.
While acknowledging the need for law and order, the unions insisted that actions must align with the Nigerian Constitution, arguing that the suspension of elected officials and disruption of salary payments violate fundamental rights and could worsen security and economic issues.
They urged the Federal Government to prioritize citizen welfare over political interests, warning that sacrificing workers’ well-being for political gains would only escalate tensions.
The unions called on President Tinubu, the National Assembly, and the judiciary to immediately reverse the state of emergency and reinstate the suspended officials, advocating for dialogue to resolve the crisis peacefully.
They cautioned that failure to address their demands could lead to strategic union actions with significant national economic repercussions, while urging workers to remain calm and continue their duties.
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