The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have rejected President Bola Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration in Rivers State, describing it as unconstitutional and a dangerous precedent.
In a joint statement signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo, the unions criticized the move, arguing that it contradicts Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution and represents an abuse of presidential authority.
They condemned the alleged suspension of the state’s governor, deputy governor, and lawmakers, asserting that such actions erode democratic governance and violate the principles of federalism.No democratic nation should tolerate the arbitrary removal of elected leaders,” the statement emphasized.
The unions called on President Tinubu to withdraw the declaration immediately, warning that failure to do so could lead to severe socio-economic consequences.
They highlighted concerns that businesses could be forced to shut down, workers might face job losses, and investors could be discouraged due to political instability.
Furthermore, they argued that politically motivated emergency declarations often escalate crises rather than resolve them, putting citizens at risk.
The labour leaders urged the President to respect constitutional processes, act with caution, and avoid decisions reminiscent of military-era authoritarianism.
They stressed that Nigeria’s democracy should not be sacrificed for political convenience and called for an immediate reversal of the decision.