
Immediate Reversal of Rivers State Emergency Demanded
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have jointly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, labeling the action as unconstitutional and an overreach of executive power.
Key Points from the Labour Unions’ Statement:
- Constitutional Violation: The unions assert that the declaration contravenes Part II, Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which delineates the legal framework for instituting a state of emergency.
- Threat to Democracy: They argue that the removal of elected officials, such as the governor, deputy governor, and members of the State House of Assembly, undermines democratic principles and sets a perilous precedent for the autonomy of subnational governments.
- Demand for Reversal: Emphasizing the importance of adhering to constitutional processes, the NLC and TUC have called for the immediate revocation of the state of emergency to preserve democratic governance and ensure economic stability in Rivers State.
The labour unions caution that such unilateral actions could erode constitutional governance and destabilize the nation’s democratic institutions. They urge the President to exercise restraint and respect constitutional boundaries to maintain national confidence and unity.