Emergency rule in Rivers: Assault on democracy, say NLC, TUC
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have condemned the suspension of civil governance in Rivers State, describing the action as “hasty and unconstitutional”
In a statement, titled: “Stop this assault on democracy now,” and signed by Comrade Joe Ajaero, President, NLC and Festus Osifo, President, TUC, they argued that the President’s action “blatantly violates the provisions of Part II, Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and constitutes an overreach of executive power.”
On Tuesday President Bola Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubura, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu and lawmakers of the state House of Assembly for six months.
But the unionists stressed “the purported suspension or removal of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and the State House of Assembly is not only unlawful but a direct assault on democracy.”
The statement read: “It sets a dangerous precedent, eroding constitutional governance and threatening the autonomy of subnational governments.
“No democratic society can thrive where elected leaders are arbitrarily removed at the whims of the President. This reckless move should deeply concern every reasonable governor and citizen who believes in the rule of law.”
They called on President to revoke “this unconstitutional declaration in compliance with Section 305(6) of the Constitution, which clearly outlines the legal process for declaring and sustaining a state of emergency.
“The President, as the custodian of the nation’s executive powers, must exercise restraint, respect constitutional limits, and act in a manner that inspires national confidence rather than suspicion.
“Any decision that jeopardizes national security, economic stability, and democratic governance must be reconsidered.
“Nigeria has suffered the painful consequences of political overreach in the past, and we cannot afford to repeat such mistakes.
“Beyond the political and legal implications, this unjustified state of emergency will have severe socio-economic repercussions on workers and the masses. It will: Disrupt economic activities, forcing businesses to shut down or scale back operations;
“Lead to job losses, wage cuts, and economic hardship for thousands of workers in both the formal and informal sectors;
“Create an atmosphere of uncertainty, discouraging investment and slowing economic growth in Rivers State and beyond;
“Expose citizens to security risks, as history has shown that politically motivated states of emergency often escalate rather than resolve crises.
“Accordingly, the Labour movement will not remain silent while the livelihoods of workers and the well-being of ordinary Nigerians are threatened by political machinations.
“Given his storied background in political struggle, we urge Mr. President not to betray his democratic credentials by engaging in actions reminiscent of military-era authoritarianism.
“Leadership demands wisdom, restraint, and an unwavering commitment to democratic principles.
“We demand the immediate reversal of this unconstitutional state of emergency in the interest of democracy, economic stability, and the welfare of Nigerian workers. Nigeria’s democracy must not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency,” the statement said.
