TUC boycotts Workers’ Day celebration in Rivers

Mkpoikana Udoma

Port Harcourt — The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, Rivers State chapter, on Thursday boycotted the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration in protest against what it described as the “hasty and unconstitutional” declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a strongly worded statement read by the TUC Secretary in Rivers State, Comrade June Danagogo, during a press briefing in Port Harcourt, the union condemned the President’s decision, labeling it “a blatant violation” of the Nigerian Constitution and “a direct assault on democracy.”

According to the TUC, the removal or suspension of the governor, deputy governor, and the state house of assembly under the guise of a state of emergency undermines constitutional governance and threatens the autonomy of subnational governments.

“This action blatantly violates the provisions of Part II, Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and constitutes an overreach of executive power. No democratic society can thrive where elected leaders are arbitrarily removed at the whims of the President.”

The union warned that the move could destabilize the state economically and socially, warning of job losses and the collapse of businesses. “It will disrupt economic activities, force businesses to shut down, lead to wage cuts, and expose citizens to heightened insecurity,” the statement added.

Danagogo also urged President Tinubu to act with restraint and in accordance with the constitution. “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,” he said.

Referencing Nigeria’s turbulent political history, the TUC cautioned against a return to “military-era authoritarianism,” calling the President’s action reminiscent of undemocratic practices.

“Nigeria has suffered the painful consequences of political overreach in the past, and we cannot afford to repeat such mistakes. We demand the immediate reversal of this unconstitutional state of emergency in the interest of democracy, economic stability, and the welfare of Nigerian workers.”

The TUC’s decision to boycott May Day events in the state marks a significant escalation in labour resistance to the federal government’s actions in Rivers, with implications for national discourse on executive overreach and federalism.