The Rivers State Organised Labour has issued a stern warning to the federal government, threatening to embark on strategic union actions that may disrupt national economic activities if their demands are not met within a reasonable timeframe.

The threat comes on the heels of the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which the labour union has vehemently condemned.

The union has been vocal in its opposition to the suspension of elected officials and the potential economic implications of the declaration.

In a statement signed by Comrade Alex Agwanwor, State Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC); Comrade Chuku Emecheta (JP), State Chairperson of the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC); and Comrade Ikechukwu Onyefuru, State Chairperson of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the labour union expressed deep concern over the state of emergency declaration.

The union condemned the suspension of the Executive Governor, Deputy Governor, and House of Assembly members, who were elected by the people of Rivers State. They described the declaration as “premature and baseless.”

The labour union also highlighted the impact of the state of emergency on local government workers, who are yet to receive their salaries and are exposed to avoidable economic hardship.

They noted that the declaration has the potential to negatively impact the economy, particularly in the Niger Delta region.

The statement read: “The Organized Labour may be compelled to take strategic union actions which might disrupt national economic activities if our demands are not met within a reasonable timeframe.

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“The Rivers State Organized Labour expresses deep concern over the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, 2025.

“Rivers State Organized Labour strongly condemns the premature and baseless declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of the Executive Governor, Deputy Governor, and House of Assembly members, who were elected by the people of Rivers State.

“The state of emergency has impacted local government workers, who are yet to receive their salaries and, as a result, are exposed to avoidable economic hardship.”

The union emphasized that actions such as the declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of elected officials must align with the Nigerian Constitution and protect workers from avoidable wage invalidity, non-payment of salaries, and safety and security threats.

The State Organized Labour, however, appealed to the President, National Assembly, and Judiciary to urgently reverse the premature state of emergency and the suspension of elected officials and return the state to normalcy.

They also advised the federal government to engage in genuine dialogue to prevent further escalation of the issues in Rivers State.

However, the union directed all workers to remain calm and continue their duties while awaiting a favorable response to the concerns raised.