- Rivers State labour unions threatened to disrupt national economic activities unless demands were met within a reasonable timeframe
- The unions strongly condemned the suspension of democratically elected officials and the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibas as Sole Administrator in the state
- The unions expressed concern over unpaid wages of local council workers, exacerbating the economic difficulties in the region
Organised labour in Rivers State has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government over its involvement in the state's political crisis, threatening to initiate industrial actions that could disrupt national economic activities unless its demands were met within a reasonable timeframe.
The warning came shortly after the Federal High Court in Abuja was urged to invalidate President Bola Tinubu's appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.
Organised labour threatens industrial action in Rivers
This request was part of a broader legal challenge against the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers, which had been vehemently condemned by the union.
The labour groups have strongly opposed the suspension of elected officials in the state, citing the potential economic repercussions of the emergency declaration.
In a statement signed by Alex Agwanwor, Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Rivers; Chuku Emecheta (JP), Chairperson of the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC); and Ikechukwu Onyefuru, Chairperson of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the state, the unions expressed deep concern.
The statement criticised the suspension of the governor, deputy governor, and House of Assembly members, who were democratically elected by the people of Rivers, calling the declaration “premature and baseless.”
It also pointed out the hardships faced by local council workers, some of whom had not been paid their salaries, exacerbating the economic strain on the community.
“The Organised labour may be compelled to take strategic union actions which might disrupt national economic activities if our demands are not met within a reasonable timeframe,” the union leaders warned.
Lawyer argues president lacks authority to suspend governor
Meanwhile, the legal challenge against the emergency rule in Rivers was filed in Abuja by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/572/2025 and filed on March 25, 2025, argued that while the President has the constitutional power to declare a state of emergency, he does not have the authority to suspend elected officials, such as a governor, who were not his appointees.
The suit, supported by a team of lawyers led by Chimezie Enuka, also raised concerns about the appointment of Ibas as Sole Administrator. According to Jideobi, the term "Sole Administrator" was not stated in the 1999 Constitution.
He argued that no Nigerian governor or deputy governor is appointed by the President or the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Jideobi sought a court order to declare Ibas’s appointment as Sole Administrator unconstitutional, null and void.
He also asked the court to invalidate the suspension of the governor and deputy governor of Rivers, as well as all actions taken by the Sole Administrator, which he contends are unconstitutional and without legal force.
Rivers’ HoS resigns as Ibas appoints new SSG
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Dr. George Nwaeke resigned as Rivers State Head of Service, following the suspension of former Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Vice Admiral Ibas thanked Nwaeke for his contributions and wished him well in future endeavours.