By Bimbola Oyesola
Organized Labour have warned of dire socio- economic implications for workers and businesses in response to the state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
Both the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) cautioned that the move would lead to job losses, wage cuts, and a decline in economic activities, worsening living conditions for thousands of Nigerians.
In a joint statement signed by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and TUC President, Festus Osifo, Labour decried the decision as reckless and unconstitutional, stressing that it would discourage investment, create uncertainty, and expose citizens to heightened security risks.
“Beyond the political and legal implications, this unjustified state of emergency will have severe socio-economic repercussions. It will disrupt economic activities, force businesses to shut down or scale back operations, and create an atmosphere of uncertainty that discourages investment and slows economic growth in Rivers State and beyond,” the statement read.
The unions also condemned the purported suspension of the Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor, Ngozi Odu and the State House of Assembly, describing it as an illegal assault on democracy.
They accused President Tinubu of overstepping his constitutional boundaries, warning that the action sets a dangerous precedent that threatens the autonomy of subnational governments.
“This action blatantly violates the provisions of Part II, Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and constitutes an overreach of executive power,” they stated.
“No democratic society can thrive where elected leaders are arbitrarily removed at the whims of the President.”
Calling for an immediate reversal of the decision, the NLC and TUC urged Tinubu to act within constitutional limits and avoid actions reminiscent of military-era authoritarianism.
“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,” the organized labour said.
The Labour unions vowed not to remain silent while the well-being of ordinary Nigerians were undermined by political manoeuvring.
Citing Nigeria’s history of political overreach, they stressed that such interventions had often led to deeper crises rather than resolving governance issues.
“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,” both Labour centres stressed.