Labour said the action blatantly violates the provisions of Part II, Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and constitutes an overreach of executive power.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has unequivocally condemned what they described as hasty and unconstitutional declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
The labour unions called for the immediate reversal of the declaration, saying that the action blatantly violates the provisions of Part II, Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and constitutes an overreach of executive power.
This was contained in a statement on Wednesday jointly signed by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero and his TUC counterpart, Festus Osifo.
“The purported suspension or removal of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and the State House of Assembly is not only unlawful but a direct assault on democracy.
“It sets a dangerous precedent, eroding constitutional governance and threatening the autonomy of subnational governments.
“No democratic society can thrive where elected leaders are arbitrarily removed at the whims of the President. This reckless move should deeply concern every reasonable governor and citizen who believes in the rule of law,” the statement said.
The unions urged President Tinubu to revoke the “unconstitutional declaration” in compliance with Section 305(6) of the Constitution, which they said clearly outlines the legal process for declaring and sustaining a state of emergency.
They further said, “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.
