The 2025 Workers’ Day celebration in Rivers State took an unusual direction as the two primary labor organizations — the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) — conducted separate demonstrations at their respective headquarters, advocating for the reinstatement of democratic governance and enhanced worker welfare.
In obedience to their national secretariat, members of the NLC gathered in large numbers at their secretariat, clad in union uniforms and carrying placards demanding an end to what they described as “an unconstitutional assault on democracy.”
The Rivers State NLC Chairman, Alex Agwanwor, in his speech, restated the national body’s condemnation of the removal of elected state officials, calling the action a “reckless overreach of executive power.”
The union asserted that the suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the House of Assembly was illegal and posed a danger to the democratic structure of Nigeria. In a surprising development, the Acting Head of Service and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) participated in the NLC event without an invitation. The NLC Chairman recognized their attendance and referenced a previous state broadcast by the Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, who committed to enhancing workers’ welfare. Concurrently, at the TUC secretariat, members engaged in lively dancing and singing as a demonstration of solidarity. The Secretary of TUC in Rivers State, Sunday Danagogo, voiced similar apprehensions, demanding an immediate cessation of emergency rule in the state and cautioning against its economic and social repercussions. ‘The emergency declaration has disrupted livelihoods and fostered an environment of fear,’ Danagogo stated. ‘History indicates that such measures do not resolve crises; they exacerbate them.’ He further remarked that ‘the suspension or removal of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and the State House of Assembly is not only illegal but also a direct attack on democracy.’
“It sets a dangerous precedent, eroding constitutional governance and threatening the autonomy of subnational government
He warned that “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,” and demanded “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.”
Earlier today, the Administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, communicated with employees during a 7 a.m. broadcast, addressing various welfare issues and assuring them of continued service delivery despite the prevailing political circumstances. Additionally, workers received a message of goodwill from the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, who commended them for their resilience, professionalism, and bravery amidst what he termed political and socio-economic challenges. He conveyed his belief that ‘the forces of justice, peace, and progress will ultimately triumph.’
