THE Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has challenged the new commissioner of police in Rivers State, Chris O. Ezike to ensure adequate security of lives and properties within 14 days.

In a statement issued by TUC state chairman, Hyginus Chika Onuegbu and Secretary, Jonas Okere, the congress said the spate of criminality such as kidnapping, armed robbery, Oil theft and Pipeline vandalism and wanton destruction of lives and property has reached an unprecedented level in the state.

Urging the police to protect lives and properties, the union said many workers and residents of the State have been kidnapped, killed, attacked and maimed “with impunity in recent times without any effective action by the security agents to curb this ugly trend”.

Also worrisome, according to the union is the unwarranted attacks on the secretariat and leadership of labour unions in Rivers state.
Part of the statement read: “As you are aware, Rivers State is the treasure base of the nation and the centre of oil and gas operation in Nigeria.
“Unfortunately, the spate of criminality: namely kidnapping; armed robbery; Oil theft and Pipeline vandalism; and wanton destruction of lives and property has reached an unprecedented level in the state.

“Many workers and residents of the State have been kidnapped, killed, attacked and maimed with impunity in recent times without any effective action by the security agents to curb this ugly trend.

“The situation is so bad that many of my members now live in fear and are actively seeking for transfers out of Rivers State. Also worrisome is the unwarranted attacks on the secretariat and leadership of labour unions in Rivers state.

“In view of the above, Congress hereby notifies you that if by 14 days from the date of this letter, we do not see any significant reduction in the aforementioned criminal activities in Rivers State, we shall call an emergency State Council meeting and where the Council so approves, withdraw our members from work in self-defense, pending when we consider it safe for them to go/return back to work.

It is our fervent prayer that you give serious attention to our pleadings in this letter in the interest of the people and workers of Rivers State who depend on your State Command for the protection of their lives and property as they go about their lawful businesses.