The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have strongly condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it a hasty and unconstitutional move.
In a joint statement by NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo, the labour unions criticized the decision, stating:
“This action blatantly violates Part II, Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and constitutes an overreach of executive power.
The removal of the governor, deputy governor, and the state House of Assembly is unlawful and a direct assault on democracy.”
The unions warned that this sets a dangerous precedent, eroding constitutional governance and threatening the autonomy of state governments.
They also insisted that democracy cannot thrive if elected leaders can be removed at the President’s discretion.
The statement further urged President Bola Tinubu to exercise restraint, respect constitutional limits, and act in a way that builds national confidence rather than fueling political tensions.
Similarly, the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, a coalition of civil groups, rejected Tinubu’s emergency declaration, calling it an unconstitutional overreach that threatens democracy.
The group emphasized that the crisis in Rivers State does not meet the constitutional criteria for emergency rule, such as war, external aggression, or a total breakdown of law and order. They also referenced a Supreme Court ruling that reinforced limits on executive power.
Meanwhile, the National Consultative Front (NCFront), led by Prof. Pat Utomi, also condemned the move.
In a statement signed by NCFront Director-General Olawale Okunniyi, the group insisted that there was no justifiable basis for an emergency rule in Rivers State. It accused the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, of fueling the crisis and called for his suspension.
The statement further alleged that the ruling APC’s intervention in Rivers State was a ploy to weaken the opposition PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.
With tensions rising, labour unions and civil groups have vowed to resist any further unconstitutional actions that undermine Nigeria’s democratic structure.
