From Tony John, Port Harcourt
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Rivers State has urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently reinstate democratic governance by restoring the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
State NLC Chairman Alex Agwanwor made the appeal on Thursday, May 1, during the Workers’ Day celebration at the union’s secretariat in Port Harcourt.
Agwanwor emphasised the strong relationship between workers and their elected representatives, stating, “As workers of Rivers State, we enjoy a good working relationship with our elected representatives under a democratic system of government.”
He urged Tinubu to reverse the state of emergency declared on March 18, saying, “We appeal to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Asiwaju Tinubu, to use his good office to reinstate the democratically elected governor, deputy governor, and the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to their offices as soon as possible.”
The NLC also called on the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), to expedite a peaceful reconciliation process to facilitate the return of elected officials, noting, “We urge the Sole Administrator to facilitate the peaceful reconciliation process that he has been saddled with to expedite the quick return of our elected representatives.”
Agwanwor stressed labour’s commitment to democracy, adding, “The organised labour fought for democracy; we are a product of democracy, and we will continue to fight till democracy is well entrenched in our land.”
Additionally, the NLC commended the Federal Government for implementing the ₦70,000 minimum wage but criticised policies like increased electricity and telecommunication tariffs, fuel subsidy removal, and high costs of goods, which exacerbate economic hardship.
The union demanded immediate payment of pension arrears, implementation of the ₦32,000 federal pension minimum wage for Rivers pensioners, and prompt settlement of gratuity and death benefits, stating, “Gratuity and death benefits of pensioners should be paid without further delay.”