.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of
Nigeria (TUC) unequivocally condemn Mr. President’s hasty and
unconstitutional declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. This
action blatantly violates the provisions of Part II, Section 305 of the 1999
Constitution (as amended) and constitutes an overreach of executive
power.
The purported suspension or removal of the Governor, Deputy Governor,
and the State House of Assembly is not only unlawful but a direct assault
on democracy.
It sets a dangerous precedent, eroding constitutional governance and
threatening the autonomy of subnational governments.
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.
We, therefore, call on 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.
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.
Any decision that jeopardizes national security, economic stability, should be reconsidered
Details later….
