The Organized Labor has strongly condemned the Federal Government’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, warning that it may embark on a nationwide industrial action if the decision is not reversed within a reasonable timeframe.
The unions argue that the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the state’s House of Assembly is unconstitutional and detrimental to both democracy and economic stability. The warning was contained in a joint statement by the Rivers State Chairpersons of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Alex Agwanwor; Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ikechukwu Onyefuru; and Joint Negotiation Council (JNC), Chuku Emecheta.
However, the statement, which was intended as a threat to the federal government, has been met with skepticism and ridicule by many Nigerians who believe labor unions have lost their influence and credibility.
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Labor leaders insist that the state of emergency is baseless and politically motivated, arguing that it undermines the will of Rivers residents who freely elected the suspended officials. They stress that any attempt to remove elected leaders outside constitutional processes erodes democratic principles.
“The people of Rivers State exercised their democratic right in electing their leaders, and any attempt to remove them through unconstitutional means is an attack on democracy,” the statement read.
Beyond concerns about democratic integrity, the unions warn that the decision has immediate economic consequences for workers and businesses in the state.
Labor leaders highlight that local government workers in Rivers have already begun feeling the effects of the state of emergency, with many reporting delays in salary payments. The statement decried the suffering this has caused workers, especially in the face of rising inflation and high living costs.
“Withholding salaries in the middle of an economic crisis is not just unfair but also inhumane. Many families depend on these wages for survival, and any disruption will only increase hardship,” the statement continued.
Furthermore, they warn that the political turmoil has created uncertainty that is scaring away investors, jeopardizing the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR). Given Rivers State’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s economy—particularly as a major oil-producing region—such instability could have ripple effects on national economic performance.
Organized Labor argues that disrupting activities in Rivers State could have severe economic consequences, especially with Nigeria already struggling with record inflation, naira depreciation, high unemployment, and a worsening cost-of-living crisis.
They emphasize that the instability risks escalating tensions across the Niger Delta, a region that has historically experienced volatility due to economic and political grievances. Any unrest could disrupt oil production, which remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy.
“At a time when the country is battling economic hardship, ill-advised political decisions should not be allowed to create further instability. Rivers State is crucial to Nigeria’s revenue, and anything that threatens its stability will have national implications,” the union leaders said.
Public Reaction: “Labor Has Been Sold Off”
Despite the strong stance taken by Organized Labor, many Nigerians have laughed off the threat of a nationwide disruption, dismissing it as yet another move that will yield no positive result.
On social media, several Nigerians expressed disbelief that the unions could force the government to reverse its decision, given their history of calling off industrial actions without achieving their objectives.
“All bark and no bite. Sometimes, I feel Labour is a part of the larger Nigerian conspiracy. They come in when people dey vex (are angry), calm people down like they have something sincere to do. Everybody calms down, and business continues,” a social media commenter, Morola Oyedele, wrote.
Others pointed out that in the past, the NLC and TUC had threatened mass action over the removal of fuel subsidies, only to back down after meetings with government officials. Similarly, in the battle for a higher minimum wage, labor unions embarked on strikes that ended without tangible improvements for Nigerian workers.
In 2023, for instance, the NLC and TUC declared a nationwide strike after President Bola Tinubu removed the fuel subsidy, leading to a sharp increase in petrol prices. However, the strike was abruptly called off after a few meetings, leaving many Nigerians to deal with the hardship that followed.
Similarly, labor unions had, for years, pushed for an increase in the minimum wage, which currently stands at N30,000 ($20) in many states. In 2024, following days of strike, labor unions and the government reached an agreement on minimum wage. However, several months after, many state governments are yet to implement the agreed N70,000 ($45) per month wage amid the rising cost of living.
Nigerians Lower Expectations from Labor
Given this history, many Nigerians believe the latest threat by Organized Labor is unlikely to materialize. Some see the unions as compromised, often holding protests that do little more than provide a temporary outlet for public frustration before ending in vague promises.
Even those who support the unions’ concerns about the Rivers crisis doubt that a strike will happen, much less force a reversal of the state of emergency.
“Labor in Nigeria is a joke. If Tinubu calls them for a meeting tomorrow, they will cancel everything and tell us they have ‘reached an understanding,’” a user commented on X.
Call for Immediate Reversal and Dialogue
However, Organized Labor maintains that it will not back down. The unions called for meaningful dialogue between the federal government and relevant stakeholders, urging the government to prioritize citizens’ welfare over political maneuvers.
While encouraging workers in Rivers State to remain calm, Organized Labor warned that failure to reverse the emergency declaration within a reasonable timeframe could force them to take decisive action that would disrupt economic activities across Nigeria.
“If our demands are not met, we will be left with no choice but to take strategic union actions that could significantly affect national economic activities,” they stated.