Rivers in Turmoil as Unions Threaten Strike, Court Moves to Restore Constitutional Order
Organized labour groups in Rivers State have strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of emergency on March 18, 2025. Leaders from the National Labor Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have labeled the move as “baseless” and decried the suspension of the elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and House of Assembly members.
They warned that the state of emergency is worsening economic hardships, local government workers remain unpaid, and potential investors backing the “New Rivers Vision” have withdrawn their plans. The unions stressed that while maintaining law and order is vital, actions must align with the Nigerian Constitution and protect workers from avoidable financial distress, urging the President, National Assembly, and Judiciary to reverse the emergency measures immediately.
In a related development, a legal suit has been filed in the Federal High Court in Abuja, demanding the removal of Rivers State’s newly appointed Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Retired).
The suit challenges President Tinubu’s constitutional authority to suspend duly elected officials and appoint a sole administrator. The case, filed by legal practitioner Johnmary Jideobi, seeks to restore the constitutional order and prevent the abuse of power. The emergency declaration and subsequent appointment are unconstitutional, as no governor or deputy governor is an appointee of the federal government.
The suit calls for the court to nullify all actions taken on March 18, 2025, and to issue a permanent injunction preventing any future removal or suspension of elected state officials without proper constitutional grounds. No hearing date has been set, but the case underscores the urgent need to uphold the rule of law and preserve the separation of powers in Nigeria.