FORMER LABOUR LEADERS DECRY 'UNDEMOCRATIC TAKEOVER' IN RIVERS STATE, DEMAND IMMEDIATE REVERSAL OF EMERGENCY RULE

 

By Dr Helen Chimezie


The Leadership of the Former Labour Leaders Forum in Rivers State has strongly condemned what it describes as the “brazen and fragrant desecration of democracy and the rule of law”, following the declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of the state’s democratic institutions by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

At a press conference held on Thursday, April 17 in Port Harcourt, the forum leadership accused the federal government of orchestrating a “dangerous and undemocratic takeover” of Rivers State, calling for the immediate reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Ordu, and the members of the State House of Assembly.

According to the forum, tomorrow, April 18, marks exactly one month since President Tinubu made the controversial pronouncement, which also included the appointment of retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator of the state.

“Such mindless take over, of Rivers State in such an absurd manner, amounts to suspension of democracy and the constitution of Nigeria,” the forum said, warning that the imposition of a Sole Administrator to run the affairs of a democratic state amounts to military-style governance.

“The Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibolk-Ete Ibas acting out a script by dismounting existing democratic structures in the state, arbitrarily appointing sole administrators for the Local Government councils, dissolving and reconstituting Boards, commissions and Governing councils. This, to us, is a sinister agenda of state capture that may likely befall other states if not urgently checked,” said the Forum leadership.

The forum also criticized the National Assembly for approving the state of emergency via a voice-vote endorsement, instead of following the constitutionally mandated two-thirds majority requirement. “This undermines the principles of due process and sets a dangerous precedent,” the forum added.

Highlighting ongoing developments under the Sole Administrator’s leadership, the former labour leaders alleged that Vice Admiral Ibas has arbitrarily dissolved local government councils, reconstituted boards and commissions, and displaced existing democratic structures, describing the actions as part of a wider “state capture agenda.”

Calling on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), both at the state and national levels, the forum urged organized labour to rise to its mandate and defend the democratic rights of the people of Rivers State.

“Organized Labour, especially in Rivers state as a major stakeholder in the socio-political democratic and economic emancipation of Rivers people should not be sleeping while the state is apparently on fire,” the forum leadership warned.

The forum also questioned the selective application of the emergency rule in Rivers, noting that other states facing more severe security challenges have not been subjected to such extreme measures.

They described the situation as “an act of bad faith against the good people of Rivers State,” adding that Nigeria’s unity and success as a nation is inextricably tied to the wellbeing of Rivers and its people.

In a passionate appeal, the forum called on President Tinubu to “reconsider his actions in the interest of peace and democracy” and emphasized their solidarity with Rivers residents, who they say are facing severe daily hardships under the current emergency administration.

As the press conference came to a close, the forum issued a final charge to the NLC: “Either rise to the occasion, or put in the towel.”

They also urged members of the press to remain apolitical and uphold their role as watchdogs of democracy.

The Former Labour Leaders Forum in Rivers State is chaired by Sir Achese Igwe, a respected labour veteran and former National President of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG). Serving as the Acting Secretary of the Forum is Comrade Benneth Kalio, the former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council.

 

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