From Victor Edozie, Port Harcourt, Itodo Daniel Sule & Idowu Isamotu, Abuja
The organised labour in Rivers State has threatened to embark on “strategic union actions” that could disrupt national economic activities if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu fails to reverse the emergency rule imposed on the state.
In a joint statement signed by leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Rivers, the unions decried what it called the adverse impact of the emergency rule, particularly on the payment of workers’ salaries.
The statement, dated March 24, 2025, was 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).
According to the unions, local government workers who have yet to receive their salaries are now grappling with severe economic hardship.
They further stated that the emergency rule has placed the state at a significant disadvantage, as prospective investors who had shown interest in the ‘New Rivers Vision’ have withdrawn their planned investments.
“While the Rivers State organized labour supports maintaining law and order, it insists that actions such as declaration of 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.
“Government must prioritise the safety and welfare of its citizens over political interests.
“The Rivers State organized 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 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 organized 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.”
Earlier, the national leadership of the organised labour, comprising both the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) said the president was setting a bad precedent with the emergency rule.
The two groups specifically described Tinubu’s action as a “direct assault on democracy”.
Their position which was contained in a statement issued last week Wednesday and titled: “Stop this assault on democracy”, was signed by the presidents of NLC and TUC, Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo respectively.
The labour leaders argued that Tinubu’s action violates the provisions of Part II, Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and “constitutes an overreach of executive power.”
According to them, no democratic society can thrive where elected leaders are arbitrarily removed at the whims of the president, adding that such “reckless” move should deeply concern every reasonable governor and citizen, who believe in the rule of law.
“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 statement read.
The Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe (ANPE) has condemned the situation in Rivers State, calling for a reversal.
ANPE, in a statement issued by its president, Solomon Ola, on Tuesday, expressed concern over the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials, describing the move as unconstitutional and damaging to Nigeria’s democratic reputation. The group warned that such actions could erode investors’ confidence and further destabilise the nation’s fragile economy.
ANPE argued that the imposition of emergency rule signals a dangerous shift toward authoritarianism, undermining the principles of federalism and due process enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. The group noted that Nigeria, once hailed as a beacon of democracy in Africa, is now facing growing criticisms.
The statement further accused the National Assembly of failing in its duty to check executive overreach, calling on lawmakers to investigate the constitutionality of the emergency rule in Rivers State. ANPE also urged the judiciary to uphold the rule of law by ensuring that constitutional procedures are followed in addressing political crises.
“Furthermore, the Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe (ANPE) is deeply troubled by the decision made by some of the key stakeholders in the face of this constitutional crisis. It is unfortunate that the National Assembly which is tasked with checking executive excesses and upholding the Constitution, has become a disappointment in executing its role as a bulwark against authoritarianism.
“Their support for this blatant violation of constitutional norms is a disgrace to Nigerians in the diaspora. We call on the National Assembly to reinvestigate this matter thoroughly and to take appropriate action to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy. We also call on the judiciary to adjudicate on the constitutionality of the state of emergency and to ensure that the rule of law prevails”, the group said.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has been asked to remove Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd.) as the sole administrator of Rivers State, arguing that his appointment is unconstitutional.
President Tinubu is listed as the first defendant in the suit, filed by Abuja-based lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi. The Attorney General of the Federation, Ibas, and the Attorneys General of Nigeria’s 36 states are named as the second to 39th defendants. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/572/2025, was filed on Tuesday.
Jideobi is seeking a court order declaring all actions taken by Ibas as sole administrator null and void. He also requests a perpetual injunction restraining Tinubu from appointing any sole administrator in any Nigerian state.
The suit argues that Tinubu lacks the constitutional authority to remove, suspend or interfere with the tenure of an elected governor or deputy governor. It contends that under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), no circumstance allows such removal except those specified in Sections 180, 188, 189, and 306.
Jideobi’s petition is asking the court to declare that the suspension of the Rivers State governor and deputy governor on March 18, 2025, is unconstitutional and without legal effect. He further seeks an order setting aside their suspension and the appointment of Ibas.
Additionally, the suit demands that Ibas immediately vacate the Rivers State Government House.
In a supporting affidavit, Jideobi stated that while the president has the constitutional authority to declare a state of emergency, he does not have the power to suspend elected officials.
Hearing date has not been set.
The new SSG is from Okirika, Rivers State. He is a globally recognised scholar, legal expert, and administrator with a proven track record in public service and institutional leadership. He holds a Ph.D. in International Environmental and Comparative Petroleum Law & Policy from the University of Dundee, United Kingdom, and has served in roles across the academia, international organisations, and government advisory capacities.
Worika, who until this appointment was the Director of the Centre for Advanced Law Research at the Rivers State University, had served as Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Port Harcourt.
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd) has appointed a university lecturer, Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika, as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) just as the Head of Service, Dr George Nwaeke, resigned his appointment.
A government house statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday said Professor Worika’s appointment followed careful consideration of his credentials, extensive experience, and performance during a rigorous selection process.
The statement added that Professor Worika’s distinguished career spans academia, international legal practice, and high-level policy advisory roles, “making him uniquely qualified to support the administrator in the task of achieving Mr President’s mandate”. His appointment takes immediate effect. In the meantime, Dr Mrs Iyingi Brown, Permanent Secretary Welfare, Office of the Head of Service, has been appointed as the acting Head of Service.