The Former Labour Leaders Forum in Rivers State has issued a strong call to action, urging the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to defend democracy in the state. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending its democratic institutions and appointing retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator.
The declaration marked its one-month anniversary on April 18, 2025.The forum described the takeover as “dangerous and undemocratic,” calling for the immediate reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odili, and members of the State House of Assembly.
The imposition of a Sole Administrator was likened to military-style governance, with the forum alleging that Ibas has arbitrarily dissolved local government councils, reconstituted boards and commissions, and displaced existing democratic structures.
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The forum accused the federal government of orchestrating a “sinister agenda of state capture” that may affect other states if not checked.The forum criticized the National Assembly for approving the state of emergency via a voice-vote endorsement, instead of following the constitutionally mandated two-thirds majority requirement.
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This was seen as an undermining due process and setting a dangerous precedent.The forum urged organized labour to rise to its mandate and defend the democratic rights of the people of Rivers State.
The forum questioned the selective application of the emergency rule in Rivers, noting that other states facing more severe security challenges have not been subjected to such extreme measures.The forum issued a final charge to the NLC: “Either rise to the occasion, or put in the towel.
“The forum emphasized its solidarity with Rivers residents, who are facing severe daily hardships under the current emergency administration.
