Rivers TUC Boycotts May Day Celebration Over Emergency Rule
The Trade Union Congress, Rivers State chapter, on Thursday boycotted the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration in protest against the state of emergency in the state.
This was contained in a strongly worded statement read to newsmen during a briefing at the union’s Secretariat in Port Harcourt by the State TUC Secretary, June Danagogo on Thursday.
The union which shunned the usual March pass at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt instead gathered at its Secretariat and condemned the President’s decision, saying it is “a blatant violation” of the Constitution and “a direct assault on democracy.”
Danagogo said the suspension of the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu and the state House of Assembly under the guise of a state of emergency undermined constitutional governance and threatened the autonomy of sub- national governments.
He stated, “This action blatantly violates the provisions of Part II, Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and constitutes an overreach of executive power.
“No democratic society can thrive where elected leaders are arbitrarily removed at the whims of the President.”
The union warned that the move could destabilise the state economically and socially, causing job losses and collapse of businesses in the state.
“It will disrupt economic activities, force businesses to shut down, lead to wage cuts, and expose citizens to heightened insecurity.
“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.”
The union cautioned against a return to “military-era authoritarianism,” saying the President’s action is reminiscent of undemocratic practices.
“Nigeria has suffered the painful consequences of political overreach in the past, and we cannot afford to repeat such mistakes.
“We demand the immediate reversal of this unconstitutional state of emergency in the interest of democracy, economic stability, and the welfare of Nigerian workers,” the union warned.