By Ayomide Otitoju
A group of former labour leaders in Rivers State has condemned the imposition of emergency rule in the state by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the action as a “civilian coup” and a grave violation of democratic norms.
Speaking at a press conference in Port Harcourt on Thursday, the group led by Achese Igwe, former National President of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), and Comrade Benneth Kalio, former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Rivers State, warned that the move poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s constitutional order.
“Tomorrow, April 18, marks exactly one month since President Tinubu, in a most undesirable and absurd pronouncement, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State,” Igwe said. “He suspended the democratically elected Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Ordu, and the entire State House of Assembly. This is nothing short of a sinister state capture agenda.”
The group criticized
the federal government’s actions, including the appointment of a sole administrator who they allege is dismantling democratic institutions, arbitrarily reshuffling local government leadership, and reconstituting boards without due process.
They also took aim at the National Assembly, accusing it of rubber-stamping the emergency declaration through a voice vote rather than adhering to the constitutionally required two-thirds majority.
“This is a brazen and fragrant desecration of democracy,” Kalio said. “It is a hostile takeover that mirrors a military-style dictatorship.”
The Forum questioned the rationale for imposing emergency rule in Rivers State while ignoring states facing more severe security challenges. They argued that the decision appears politically motivated and unjustified.
They called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to mobilize against what they termed an unjust imposition, warning that the precedent could undermine democracy nationwide.
“The people of Rivers State must not be abandoned. Organised labour must rise as a defender of democracy and the rule of law,” Kalio said.
The Forum urged President Tinubu to immediately reverse the emergency declaration and reinstate the suspended officials in the interest of peace and constitutional governance. They also called on the media to remain vigilant and unbiased as protectors of democracy.
