In recent weeks, Rivers State has become the epicenter of heated debates about the state of Nigeria’s democracy. Former labour leaders in the state have raised grave concerns about what they describe as the “collapse of democracy,” following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state and the suspension of its democratically elected officials. The former labour leaders argue that these actions, taken without exhausting all available reconciliation processes, threaten the very fabric of democratic governance in the country.You know about theglobespot, openrendz and Collapse of democracy in Rivers State also Buzzfeed.
Led by Achese Igwe, the former National President of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), and Bennett Kalio, the Acting Secretary of the forum, the group came together to issue a statement condemning these developments in Port Harcourt. The former leaders firmly believe that these actions undermine the will of the people and set a dangerous precedent for future governance in Nigeria.
This article takes a deep dive into the statement issued by the former labour leaders, their concerns about the state of democracy in Rivers State, and the broader implications of these political events on Nigeria’s democratic journey.
The Declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State
On March 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing political instability and security concerns. This declaration included the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, and members of the state House of Assembly. The move was widely seen as a drastic step in response to the ongoing political tensions in the state, following months of protests and accusations of corruption and governance failure by local authorities.
The declaration of the state of emergency allowed President Tinubu to appoint Vice Admiral Ibolk-Ete Ibas (retd) as the sole administrator of Rivers State for an initial six-month period. This decision, however, was met with fierce opposition from various groups within the state, particularly former labour leaders who voiced strong disapproval.
A Bold Rejection by Former Labour Leaders
Achese Igwe, who led the former labour leaders in condemning the decision, emphasized that this move by President Tinubu was both illegal and unconstitutional. The former labour leaders argue that the decision to suspend democratically elected officials without exhausting the available legal and reconciliation processes is a direct violation of Nigeria’s constitutional framework.
The forum of former labour leaders, in a statement read by Igwe, expressed their shock and outrage at the actions taken by President Tinubu. They pointed out that declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State was an affront to the democratic principles that Nigeria has worked so hard to establish, particularly after the tumultuous years of military rule.
“Ordinarily, as former Labour leaders, we are not supposed to lead workers to protest the collapse of democracy in Rivers State,” Igwe said, “rather, it is the responsibility of organized Labour to defend and protect the nascent democracy. However, we are now in a situation where the very democracy we fought to establish is under siege.”
Igwe further warned that the series of protests against the state of emergency and the suspension of the governor, deputy governor, and assembly members were only the beginning of a larger and more dangerous movement. The former labour leaders’ statement suggests that the suspension of elected officials without due process could spiral into a larger political crisis in the state.
The Legal and Constitutional Implications
The decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of its elected officials raises serious legal questions. According to Nigeria’s Constitution, the declaration of a state of emergency is supposed to follow a stringent process that includes the approval of two-thirds of both the National Assembly and the state’s House of Assembly.
The National Assembly’s voice-vote endorsement of President Tinubu’s decision, without the constitutionally required two-thirds majority, has drawn heavy criticism. Former labour leaders argue that the decision to sideline the constitutional provisions and proceed with the declaration of a state of emergency is a blatant violation of Nigeria’s legal framework.
“By passing the voice vote, the National Assembly failed to meet the constitutional requirement of a two-thirds majority,” the forum of former labour leaders noted. “This blatant disregard for the law constitutes an erosion of democracy and invites a return to military-style governance.”
The suspension of elected officials has raised concerns about the centralization of power in the hands of a single administrator, which critics argue undermines the principles of federalism and representative democracy. The appointment of a sole administrator, they argue, sets a dangerous precedent for the future of democratic governance in Nigeria.
The Risk of Military Dictatorship
The most alarming concern expressed by the former labour leaders is the possibility of Nigeria slipping back into military dictatorship. Many of the former labour leaders have lived through the dark years of military rule, and they fear that the actions taken by the federal government in Rivers State are reminiscent of those times.
“It is very clear to us that this state of emergency is not about restoring order or ensuring stability,” Igwe declared. “Rather, it is about the total dismantling of the democratic process, which is what the Sole Administrator has already begun to implement. This is a dangerous precedent.”
The forum of former labour leaders warned that the erosion of democratic rights in Rivers State could embolden other regions or political factions to take similar actions, threatening the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy at large. They argue that this development could destabilize the country, particularly if citizens lose faith in the electoral system and the protection of their democratic rights.
The Growing Protests in Rivers State
In the weeks following the declaration of a state of emergency, Rivers State has witnessed widespread protests against the suspension of the governor and other elected officials. These protests have been organized by various groups, including political parties, civil society organizations, and, notably, the former labour leaders.
The protesters have voiced their frustration with the federal government’s heavy-handed approach to governance in the state, arguing that the state of emergency is an unjustifiable overreach of presidential powers. They have also questioned the legitimacy of the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibolk-Ete Ibas (retd), who has been tasked with overseeing the state for six months.
The protesters contend that the people of Rivers State should have the right to govern themselves through their elected representatives and that the federal government’s decision to suspend those representatives is a violation of their rights. They also point out that such a move does not address the underlying issues of governance but instead exacerbates the political and social unrest in the state.
A Call for Dialogue and Reconciliation
In their statement, the former labour leaders emphasized the need for dialogue and reconciliation rather than drastic and undemocratic measures like the declaration of a state of emergency. They called on President Tinubu to exhaust all peaceful and constitutional means of resolving the crisis in Rivers State before resorting to such an extreme decision.
“Dialogue should always be the first step when addressing political conflict,” the forum said. “We understand that there are issues to be resolved in Rivers State, but suspending democratically elected officials and appointing a sole administrator is not the solution.”
They also called on the National Assembly to fulfill its constitutional responsibility and ensure that the rule of law is upheld in all matters concerning the governance of the state.
Conclusion: A Crucial Crossroads for Democracy in Nigeria
As Rivers State navigates these turbulent political waters, the events that unfold in the coming months will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s democratic future. The concerns raised by former labour leaders highlight the dangers of undermining democratic processes, particularly when it comes to the suspension of elected officials and the centralization of power.
The protests and vocal opposition to the state of emergency are a clear indication that the people of Rivers State are unwilling to accept the erosion of their democratic rights. However, it remains to be seen whether the federal government will heed the calls for dialogue and reconciliation or continue down the path of increased political control.
For now, Nigeria finds itself at a crucial crossroads, with its democratic values hanging in the balance. If President Tinubu and the National Assembly fail to address the concerns raised by the former labour leaders, the country could be facing a future where democracy is further eroded, and citizens are left without the means to influence their governance.
