May Day: TUC Boycotts Celebration In Rivers Over ‘Unconstitutional’ Emergency Rule

…As NLC Calls For Sober Reflection On Workers’ Plight

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria, Rivers State chapter, has boycotted the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration in protest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The union described the move as “hasty and unconstitutional”.

In a statement read by the TUC Secretary in Rivers State, Comrade June Danagogo, the union condemned the president’s decision, labeling it “a blatant violation” of the Nigerian Constitution and “a direct assault on democracy”.

The TUC argued that the removal or suspension of the governor, deputy governor, and state house of assembly undermines constitutional governance and threatens the autonomy of subnational governments.

“This action blatantly violates the provisions of Part II, Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and constitutes an overreach of executive power,” Danagogo said. “No democratic society can thrive where elected leaders are arbitrarily removed at the whims of the President.”

The union warned that the move could destabilize the state economically and socially, warning of job losses and the collapse of businesses. “It will disrupt economic activities, force businesses to shut down, lead to wage cuts, and expose citizens to heightened insecurity,” the statement added.

Danagogo also urged President Tinubu to act with restraint and in accordance with the constitution. “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,” he said.

Referencing Nigeria’s turbulent political history, the TUC cautioned against a return to “military-era authoritarianism,” calling the President’s action reminiscent of undemocratic practices.

“Nigeria has suffered the painful consequences of political overreach in the past, and we cannot afford to repeat such mistakes,” the union stated. “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 TUC’s decision to boycott May Day events in the state marks a significant escalation in labour resistance to the federal government’s actions in Rivers, with implications for national discourse on executive overreach and federalism.

Also, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman in the State, Comrade Alex Ikechi Agwanwor, has called for a sober reflection on the plight of workers in the country. 

Speaking on the occasion of Workers’ Day, Agwanwor lamented the economic hardship faced by Nigerian workers, citing the impact of government policies.

Agwanwor noted that while workers were celebrating the approval and implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, the same government had imposed various taxes on citizens, increased electricity and telecommunication tariffs, and removed fuel subsidies without adequate measures to alleviate the suffering of workers and masses.

The NLC Chairman demanded the immediate payment of pension arrears owed to Rivers State pensioners and the implementation of the N32,000 minimum wage approved for federal pensioners. He also called for the payment of gratuity and death benefits without further delay.

Agwanwor urged the management of polytechnics in the state to implement increments and promotions, particularly Contendiss 15 for non-teaching staff. 

He expressed concern that these issues had been pending for too long.

The NLC Chairman also called for the regulation, recognition, and protection of app-based transportation drivers. He emphasized the importance of transportation in the state’s economy and the need for policies that protect drivers from fare evasion, theft, and violence.

Finally, Agwanwor appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to use his office to reinstate the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. He urged the Sole Administrator to facilitate a peaceful reconciliation process to expedite the return of elected representatives.