Workers in Rivers threaten to strike over State of Emergency
Organised labour unions in Rivers State have issued a stern warning to President Bola Tinubu, vowing to launch strategic union actions that could disrupt national economic activities if the federal government does not reverse the emergency rule imposed on the state.
In a joint statement, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Rivers decried the impact of the emergency measures, citing unpaid workers’ salaries as a major concern.
“The continued imposition of emergency rule has severely disrupted government operations, including the timely payment of salaries to workers who rely on their earnings for survival,” the statement read.
On March 18, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following a deepening political crisis that threatened stability in the oil-rich region. As part of the sweeping measures, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state assembly were suspended from office for an initial period of six months.
In their place, the president appointed retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs. The decision has been met with strong opposition, particularly from labour unions, who argue that the suspension of elected officials and the disruption of governance are unacceptable.
Labour Unions Prepare for Action
With tensions mounting, the NLC and TUC are now preparing for a possible showdown with the federal government. While the unions did not specify the exact nature of their planned actions, they hinted at large-scale disruptions capable of affecting national economic activities.
“The Nigerian workers in Rivers State will not stand by while their livelihoods are jeopardized. If the government fails to act, we will be forced to take decisive steps in the defense of workers’ rights and democratic governance,” the unions warned.
