The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have called for the prompt reversal of a state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu. The unions argue that the decision is both hasty and unconstitutional, violating Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution.
The unions criticize the removal of the state governor, deputy governor, and State House of Assembly as unlawful and a threat to democratic governance. They warn that such actions could set a dangerous precedent affecting the autonomy of subnational governments and urge the President to comply with constitutional processes to maintain stability and respect for democratic norms.
The unions also express concerns that the state of emergency could have detrimental socio-economic impacts, including:
- Business disruptions
- Job losses
- Discouraged investment
Additionally, they highlight that the state of emergency could potentially escalate security risks. The unions stress that political overreach could have severe implications for workers and the broader Nigerian populace.
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