The 2025 Workers’ Day commemoration in Rivers State unfolded with a striking departure from tradition, as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) opted to hold separate events, each reiterating strong demands for a return to democratic order and improved working conditions.
Acting by directives from their national headquarters, the Rivers State chapter of the NLC held a massive rally at its secretariat, drawing a large turnout of members. Many were dressed in distinctive union attire and hoisted placards condemning what they termed “an unconstitutional assault on democracy.”
In his address to attendees, Rivers NLC Chairman, Alex Agwanwor, echoed the sentiments of the union’s national body, denouncing the removal of elected government officials as “a reckless overreach of executive power.” He emphasized that the suspension of the state’s Governor, Deputy Governor, and House of Assembly members violated legal norms and posed a grave threat to the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Unexpectedly, the state’s Acting Head of Service and the Secretary to the State Government made appearances at the NLC gathering, although their attendance had not been previously announced, and they were not on the list of scheduled speakers. Chairman Agwanwor took note of their presence and referred to an earlier broadcast by Rivers Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, who had promised to address workers’ welfare concerns.
Elsewhere in the state, the TUC held its own rally at its secretariat, marked by an atmosphere of high energy as members engaged in singing and dancing, demonstrating unity in their call for democratic accountability.
During the TUC’s rally, the union’s state secretary, Sunday Danagogo, made a forceful appeal for the immediate termination of the emergency rule in the state, warning that its continuation would bring long-term damage to the economy and the broader social landscape.
“The emergency declaration has disrupted livelihoods and created an atmosphere of fear,” Danagogo declared. “History has shown that such actions do not resolve crises—they deepen them.”
He further criticized the federal intervention in Rivers’ political affairs, saying that “the suspension or removal of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and the State House of Assembly is not only unlawful but a direct assault on democracy.” Danagogo warned that this move “sets a dangerous precedent, eroding constitutional governance and threatening the autonomy of subnational governments.”
In a stern message to the central government, he said, “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,” and insisted that “Mr. President to revoke this unconstitutional declaration in compliance with Section 305(6) of the Constitution, which clearly outlines the legal process for declaring and sustaining a state of emergency.”
Prior to the labour rallies, at around 7 a.m., Rivers Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd), addressed the state’s workforce in a broadcast. He acknowledged the prevailing challenges but reassured civil servants of his commitment to maintaining the delivery of public services while working on improving their welfare despite the political instability.
Workers also received words of encouragement from suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who issued a goodwill message recognizing their steadfastness. In his statement, Fubara lauded the workers’ continued dedication and bravery amid what he described as significant political and economic difficulties. He offered a message of hope, expressing belief that “the forces of justice, peace, and progress will ultimately prevail.”
What you should know
Labour Day in Rivers State highlighted divisions within the labour movement as the NLC and TUC held separate protests, both denouncing the suspension of elected leaders and warning against the dangers of emergency rule.
The suspended Governor and the state’s Administrator addressed workers with contrasting tones, one promising stability, the other championing democratic resilience.
ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM VERILY NEWS
