Rivers State: Organized Labour Threatens Action Over Emergency Declaration

• The union emphasized that the suspension of elected officials undermines the democratic process and the will of the people who voted them into office
• The Organized Labour also noted that potential investors, who had shown interest in the state’s economic initiatives, are being deterred by the political uncertainty
• The union cautioned that further instability in the area could worsen the country’s current economic challenges

The Organized Labour union has expressed deep concern over the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, warning that it may be forced to take decisive action with potential disruptions to national economic activities if the situation is not reversed within a reasonable time frame.

Eko Hot Blog reports that in a joint statement issued by the Rivers State Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Alex Agwanwor; State Chairperson of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ikechukwu Onyefuru; and Chairperson of the Joint Negotiation Council (JNC), Chuku Emecheta, the union described the suspension of elected officials as premature and baseless, calling for their reinstatement to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic system.

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The union highlighted the immediate impact of the state of emergency on local government workers, many of whom have not received their salaries, exposing them to economic hardship.

Given Rivers State’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s economy and the Niger Delta region, the union emphasized that the ongoing crisis could have far-reaching economic consequences.

The union emphasized that the suspension of elected officials undermines the democratic process and the will of the people who voted them into office.

It also drew attention to the immediate hardship faced by local government workers who have not received their salaries, exacerbating the already high cost of living.

The union cautioned that further instability in the area could worsen the country’s current economic challenges, such as inflation, currency devaluation, rising unemployment, and soaring living costs.

The Organized Labour also noted that potential investors, who had shown interest in the state’s economic initiatives, are being deterred by the political uncertainty resulting from the state of emergency.

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It called for maintaining law and order within the framework of the Nigerian Constitution and encouraged the federal government to prioritize the safety and welfare of citizens over political interests.

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