The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, labelling it as rushed and unconstitutional.
In a joint statement released on Wednesday, NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo condemned the action, asserting that it violates Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and represents an overreach of executive authority.
They argued that the alleged removal of the governor, deputy governor, and state lawmakers was not only illegal but also an attack on democratic governance.
The unions warned that such actions set a troubling precedent, undermining the constitutional order and threatening the independence of state governments.
“No democracy can thrive when elected officials are arbitrarily removed at the President’s discretion,” the statement read.
The labour leaders urged President Tinubu to retract the declaration and abide by constitutional provisions that outline the legal process for imposing a state of emergency.
They stressed that the President must exercise power responsibly to maintain public trust.
They further cautioned that the decision could have severe economic and security consequences, including business disruptions, job losses, reduced investment, and heightened insecurity.
The unions vowed to resist any political manoeuvring that endangers workers’ livelihoods, urging the President to uphold democratic principles.
They called for an immediate reversal of the decision to protect Nigeria’s democracy, economic stability, and citizens’ welfare.
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