In a bold and unequivocal message delivered on May Day at Eagle Square, Abuja, Nigeria’s organised Labour—comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC)—called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately reverse what it described as the “unconstitutional suspension” of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, imposed under the guise of a state of emergency.
Labour leaders, Comrades Joe Ajaero (NLC) and Festus Osifo (TUC), decried the action as a dangerous precedent that threatens democratic governance. “This is not just a Rivers State issue—it is a constitutional crisis,” they warned, urging the president to respect the will of the electorate and democratic processes.
Unlike some mainstream media outlets that have offered a neutral or even supportive tone toward the federal government’s position, Labour took a sharply critical stance—calling the move an assault on democratic norms and civic space.
In their address, the unions didn’t stop there. They demanded an immediate withdrawal of the controversial tax bills currently before the National Assembly. These bills, they argued, were drafted without the input of the labour movement and unfairly target workers and the poor, while sparing the wealthy and multinational corporations.
“Nigerian workers must not be bystanders in decisions that directly affect their livelihoods,” the leaders declared. “We demand a seat at the table.”
On the issue of insecurity, Labour condemned what it termed “genocidal killings and unchecked bloodshed” across the country. They reminded the government that its primary duty is to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
Further demands included:
Immediate rollback of the telecom tariff hike, reducing it from 50% to 35%.
Urgent salary adjustments to reflect current economic hardships.
Prompt payment of all outstanding allowances, pensions, and gratuities nationwide.
Restoration of gratuity payments and an upward review of the retirement age.
Automatic pension adjustments in line with inflation.
While other outlets may gloss over the fiscal pressure on workers or frame these policies as “reforms,” Labour’s address painted a starkly different picture—one of growing inequality and shrinking civic freedom.
As tensions rise, all eyes are now on the Federal Government’s response to Labour’s sweeping demands—demands that strike at the heart of governance, justice, and economic survival for millions of Nigerians.
