Rivers emergency rule: Pressure mount on Tinubu as labour vow to disrupt economic activities unless decision is reversed

Organised labour in Rivers State has threatened disrupt economic activities should President Bola Tinubu fail to reverse the emergency rule imposed on the state.  

In a joint statement signed by leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress ,NLC, the Trade Union Congress ,TUC, and Joint Negotiation Council ,JNC, in Rivers, the unions said the president’s action would negatively impact on stability in the system, leading to disruption on workers’ welfare and the state’s economic stability.  

The statement, dated March 24, 2025, and signed by Alex Agwanwor, chairperson of the NLC in Rivers State; Ikechukwu Onyefuru, chairperson of Rivers TUC; and Chuku Emecheta, chairperson of the Joint Negotiation Council ,JNC, highlighted the negative effect of the emergency rule on business investments in the state.  

“The declaration of the emergency rule has put the state in a very disadvantageous position as potential investors who have indicated interest in ‘New Rivers Vision’ have all backed out of planned investments in the state.

“While the Rivers State Organised Labour supports maintaining law and order, it insists that actions such as the declaration of a state of emergency and suspending elected officials must align with the Nigerian Constitution and protect workers from avoidable wage invalidity, non-payment of salaries at all levels, safety, and security threats,” the unions stated.  

They called on the federal government to prioritize citizens’ safety and welfare over political considerations and urged immediate intervention by the presidency, National Assembly, and judiciary.  

“The Rivers State Organised Labour is appealing to the President, National Assembly, and Judiciary to urgently reverse the premature state of emergency and suspension of elected officials and return the state to normalcy,” the statement continued.  

Labour leaders also demanded genuine dialogue to resolve the crisis, warning that failure to meet their demands could lead to large-scale industrial action.  

“The federal government is strongly advised to engage in genuine dialogue to prevent further escalation of the issues in Rivers State. All workers are advised to remain calm and continue their duties while awaiting a favorable response on the concerns raised.  

“The Organised Labour may be compelled to take strategic union actions which might disrupt national economic activities if our demands are not met within a reasonable timeframe,” they cautioned.