NLC, TUC Urge Tinubu To Reverse ‘Reckless’ State of Emergency Declaration In Rivers

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) on Wednesday condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State late Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

Describing the move as “hasty and unconstitutional,” the organised labour said it blatantly violates the provisions of Part II, Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and constitutes an overreach of executive power.

The President had cited prolonged political instability, constitutional breaches, and security threats as reasons for the declaration.

In the same directive, he appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs until normalcy is restored.

Ibas, who served as Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, will assume full administrative control.

In a communiqué jointly signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo and made available to THE WHISTLER, the unions stated that the purported suspension or removal of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and State House of Assembly is not only unlawful but a direct assault on democracy.

The communiqué reads, “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.

“It sets a dangerous precedent, eroding constitutional governance and threatening the autonomy of subnational governments.
“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.

“We, therefore, call on Mr. 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 Congress decried the state of Nigerians, warning that the country has suffered the painful consequences of political overreach in the past and cannot afford to repeat such mistakes.

Beyond the political and legal implications, the unions warned that the state of emergency would 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, discourage investment and slow economic growth in Rivers State and beyond; and expose citizens to security risks, as history has shown that politically motivated states of emergency often escalate rather than resolve crises.”

The Congress further urged the President to reflect on his background in political struggle and avoid 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 labour movement will not remain silent while the livelihoods of workers and the well-being of ordinary Nigerians are threatened by political machinations,” it warned.

NLC, TUC Urge Tinubu To Reverse ‘Reckless’ State of Emergency Declaration In Rivers is first published on The Whistler Newspaper