Labour demands immediate reversal of emergency rule in Rivers
By Idun Maximus
The organised labour has demanded the immediate reversal of the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu on Rivers State.
It described the emergency declaration as unconstitutional and a direct assault on democracy.
In a joint statement signed by the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, and President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, on Wednesday, the labour unions denounced the decision as a blatant violation of Part II, Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), arguing that it represents an overreach of executive power.
The workers’ bodies warned that allowing such actions to stand would undermine the rule of law and create an atmosphere where elected officials could be arbitrarily removed at the discretion of the President.
They also warned that the move could lead to security risks for citizens, disruption of economic activities, job losses, wage cuts, and financial hardship for thousands of workers in both the formal and informal sectors, among others.
The Congresses urged the President to revoke the declaration in line with Section 305(6) of the Constitution, which clearly outlines the legal process for declaring and sustaining a state of emergency.
“The purported suspension or removal of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and the State House of Assembly is not only unlawful but a direct assault on democracy.
“It sets a dangerous precedent, eroding constitutional governance and threatening the autonomy of subnational governments.
“No democratic society can thrive where elected leaders are arbitrarily removed at the whims of the President. This reckless move should deeply concern every reasonable governor and citizen who believes in the rule of law.
“We, therefore, call on Mr. President to revoke this unconstitutional declaration in compliance with Section 305(6) of the Constitution, which clearly outlines the legal process for declaring and sustaining a state of emergency.
“The President, as the custodian of the nation’s executive powers, must exercise restraint, respect constitutional limits, and act in a manner that inspires national confidence rather than suspicion.
“Any decision that jeopardizes national security, economic stability, and democratic governance must be reconsidered.
“Nigeria has suffered the painful consequences of political overreach in the past, and we cannot afford to repeat such mistakes.
“Beyond the political and legal implications, this unjustified state of emergency will have severe socio-economic repercussions on workers and the masses.
“Given his storied background in political struggle, we urge Mr. President not to betray his democratic credentials by engaging in actions reminiscent of military-era authoritarianism.
“We demand the immediate reversal of this unconstitutional state of emergency in the interest of democracy, economic stability, and the welfare of Nigerian workers. Nigeria’s democracy must not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency,” the statement read in parts.
