KEY POINTS

• The NLC demands the reversal of the state of emergency in Rivers State.
• Labour leaders express concern over the non-payment of wages and economic instability.
• The union threatens national disruption if the situation is not addressed.

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Rivers State has called for the immediate reversal of the state of emergency imposed by President Bola Tinubu.

The union condemned the declaration, citing its impact on local government workers who have not been paid their salaries.

In a joint statement issued on March 25, 2025, by the state chairman of the NLC, Alex Agwanwor, along with leaders of the Trade Union Congress and the Joint Negotiating Council, the workers called the decision “premature and baseless.”

According to Punch, they also expressed concerns over the economic hardship caused by the delay in payments, particularly for local government employees.

The statement emphasized the state of emergency’s negative effects on Rivers State’s economy, pointing out that the declaration had halted the plans of potential investors and disrupted ongoing business ventures.

“The state of emergency has the potential to impact the economy at a time when the country is already grappling with high inflation, unemployment, and cost of living issues,” the statement read.

Labour demands government action to resolve crisis

The Rivers State Labour Union also questioned the legality of suspending elected officials, including the governor, deputy governor, and members of the state assembly, who were chosen by the people.

The group urged President Tinubu to reconsider his decision and restore the elected officials immediately.

“It is important to maintain law and order, but the suspension of duly elected officials must align with the Nigerian Constitution and ensure that workers are protected from avoidable wage delays and other hardships,” the statement continued.

The NLC warned that if the emergency rule is not reversed soon, they may be forced to take strategic actions, which could disrupt national economic activities.

The union’s leaders emphasized that while they support actions to maintain law and order, they stressed the importance of dialogue to prevent further escalation of the situation in Rivers State.

The union’s call for peaceful resolution

The union urged workers in the state to remain calm and continue their duties while awaiting the presidential response.

They also urged the National Assembly and the Judiciary to intervene and prevent further actions that could escalate the current crisis in the state.