[FULL TEXT] NLC, TUC carpet Tinubu, demand immediate reversal of ‘unconstitutional’ state of emergency in Rivers

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has constitutional backing, contrary to claims by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) that it’s unconstitutional.
The President invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) to declare the state of emergency, effective immediately ¹. This decision was made after the Supreme Court ruled that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s actions, including demolishing the Rivers State House of Assembly, amounted to a disregard for the rule of law and constitutional governance.
The state of emergency was declared due to the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State, which has crippled governance and threatened peace and security. The President has appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as the Administrator of Rivers State, who will oversee the affairs of the state for an initial period of six months.