The Rivers State Council of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria has called for an immediate end to the lingering political crisis in Rivers State, warning that the continued standoff between key arms of government poses serious threats to governance, development, and the welfare of workers and residents.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the State Chairman, Comrade Dr. Udoka Ugochukwu Josiah, the TUC appealed to both the Executive and the Legislature in the state to “sheathe their swords” and embrace peace in the overall interest of Rivers people.

According to the Congress, the protracted political tension has the potential to disrupt effective governance and stall socio-economic development, with workers and ordinary citizens bearing the brunt of the consequences.

“The Rivers State Council of the TUC calls on the State Legislature and the Executive to sheathe their swords and embrace peace for the interest of workers and the people of Rivers State.

“The ongoing political crisis has the potential of not only disrupting governance but also impeding the development of the state,” the statement reads.

The labour centre stressed the need for collaboration between the two arms of government, noting that harmonious working relations are essential to delivering democratic dividends to the people.

Josiah expressed concern that despite six months of what he described as a suspension of democracy in the state, political actors have failed to reconcile their differences. Instead, he noted, the polity appears to be overheating once again, with a return to pre-emergency rule disputes.

Quoting a popular African proverb, the TUC Chairman said, “Where two elephants are fighting, the grass suffers,” adding that in the Rivers situation, workers and law-abiding citizens constitute the “grass” suffering from the prolonged conflict.

The Congress also decried the persistent impasse between the Executive and the Legislature, calling on traditional institutions, religious leaders, elders, and other critical stakeholders in the state to urgently intervene.

“The continuous crisis is threatening the peace of the state,” the statement warned, urging stakeholders to seek an enduring reconciliation on all issues at stake to prevent further escalation.

In addition, the TUC appealed to the Federal Government for intervention.

Specifically, the Congress urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to step in and help resolve the political crisis in Rivers State peacefully.

The labour union emphasised that stability, peace, and cooperation among political leaders are critical to safeguarding workers’ interests, sustaining democratic governance, and ensuring uninterrupted development in Rivers State.