The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), have rejected the state of emergency declared on the Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as an attack on democracy.
According to a joint statement by the two foremost labour unions in Nigeria, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and his TUC counterpart, Festus Osifo, faulted the move as “hasty and unconstitutional,” arguing that it violated Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution.
The statement stated, “This reckless move should deeply concern every governor and citizen who believes in the rule of law. No democratic society can thrive where elected leaders are arbitrarily removed at the whims of the President.”
They described the suspension of the Governor, his Deputy and state legislators as unlawful as well as a dangerous precedent that undermines constitutional governance and threatens the autonomy of state governments.
The declared, “We demand the immediate reversal of this unconstitutional state of emergency in the interest of democracy, economic stability, and the welfare of Nigerian workers.”
In another development, the Nigerian Senate, today, suspended its plenary session and rescheduled the debate on the State of Emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu for Thursday.
The postponement came after a delayed commencement of plenary, which stretched for nearly two hours due to the absence of a significant number of senators across party lines.
Initially set for 3 p.m., the debate was unexpectedly stepped down when Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), who sponsored the motion, invoked Order 1(b) of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended).
His motion to defer the debate was seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), and the chamber quickly moved on to other matters without further discussion.
Bamidele’s motion raised concerns over the worsening security situation in Rivers State, citing threats from militants and reports of oil pipeline vandalism.
“Disturbed by the clear and present danger posed by the crisis, with militants issuing threats and security reports indicating acts of vandalism, there is an urgent need to implement extraordinary measures to restore governance, peace, and stability in Rivers State,” the motion stated in part.
For the emergency declaration to take effect, the Senate requires a two-thirds majority—at least 73 out of 109 senators—to approve it. However, uncertainty looms over whether this threshold will be met during Thursday’s session.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio eventually put the motion for postponement and plenary suspension to a voice vote, which was met with widespread approval from the senators present.
