Members of the Rivers State chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Thursday boycotted the traditional May Day celebration at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt, in protest against the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the state House of Assembly under a federal state of emergency.
Protest Instead of Celebration
Instead of joining the official Workers’ Day festivities, Rivers workers gathered at the NLC Secretariat in Port Harcourt, carrying placards demanding the reinstatement of the suspended governor and other elected officials. The union members expressed solidarity with Fubara, describing the federal government’s intervention as “hasty,” “unconstitutional,” and a “direct assault on democracy.”
The Rivers State TUC Secretary, June Danagogo, condemned the emergency rule declared by President Bola Tinubu, calling it a violation of the Nigerian Constitution and an overreach of executive power. He emphasized that the suspension of the democratically elected government undermines constitutional governance and threatens the autonomy of sub-national governments.
Similarly, NLC State Chairman Alex Agwanwor stated that the union has a cordial relationship with Governor Fubara and urged President Tinubu to reinstate the governor, deputy governor, and the state House of Assembly members as soon as possible. Agwanwor also called on the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ibas, to facilitate a genuine reconciliation process in the state.
Workers’ Message and Demands
The placards carried by the protesters bore inscriptions such as “Reinstate Rivers State Government,” “We Want Governor Fubara Back,” and “No to Military Leadership in Rivers State.” The workers vowed to continue fighting for democracy and insisted that their good working relationship with elected representatives under a democratic system must be restored.
Agwanwor reiterated the union’s commitment to lawful, peaceful protest and urged workers to avoid any acts that could provoke violence or unrest during the crisis.
Context of the Political Crisis
The boycott and protest come amid heightened political tensions following President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State in March 2025. This action led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the state legislature, with the federal government appointing Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator.
The move sparked widespread condemnation from Rivers workers, civil society groups, and political supporters who view it as an infringement on the state’s democratic mandate.
Governor Fubara’s Response
In a May Day statement, suspended Governor Fubara expressed confidence that “forces of justice, peace, and progress will prevail” in Rivers State. He praised the resilience and patriotism of the state’s workforce and commended the federal government’s labour reforms under President Tinubu.
Fubara reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights and improving working conditions, emphasizing the importance of occupational safety and well-being amid the state’s political and environmental challenges.
The boycott of the May Day celebration by Rivers workers and their demand for Governor Fubara’s reinstatement underscore the deep political divide in the state and the broader struggle for democratic governance in Nigeria’s federating units. As the crisis continues, the workers’ stance signals a firm resistance to federal intervention perceived as undermining the will of the people of Rivers State.
