NEWS
JUST IN: Labour Unions Reject Rivers Emergency, Threaten Nationwide Strike
Organised Labour has strongly opposed the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, warning that it may resort to nationwide industrial action if the decision is not overturned soon.
In a statement jointly signed by the Rivers State Chairpersons of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Alex Agwanwor; the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ikechukwu Onyefuru; and the Joint Negotiation Council (JNC), Chuku Emecheta, the unions described the move as unconstitutional and detrimental to democracy.
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They denounced the federal government’s suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly, arguing that these officials were duly elected by the people and should not be removed outside legal procedures.
Labour leaders also expressed concern over the economic fallout of the emergency declaration, stating that many local government workers have not received their salaries due to the situation.
“Withholding workers’ wages at a time of economic hardship is unacceptable. Rivers State plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s economy, and any disruption here will have national consequences,” the unions stated.
According to them, the political uncertainty in Rivers State is discouraging investors, negatively impacting the state’s internally generated revenue and overall economic growth.
While recognising the need for stability, they insisted that any action taken to maintain law and order must align with constitutional provisions.
They called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, and the judiciary to intervene and reverse the decision.
The labour unions also urged the federal government to engage in meaningful dialogue to de-escalate the crisis.
However, they cautioned that failure to do so could result in widespread disruptions to economic activities across the country.
Workers in Rivers State have been advised to remain calm, but the unions stressed their readiness to take necessary action if their demands are not met.
The Executive Governor of Osun State, Asiwaju Ademola Adeleke has felicitated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occasion of his 73rd birthday anniversary.
According to Gov Adeleke, the number one citizen of Nigeria is “a resourceful democrat with tested decades of democratic activism”
In a birthday message he personally signed, Gov Adeleke recounted the huge contributions of Mr President to the economic and democratic development of the nation, citing his transformational days as the Lagos State governor and his ongoing bold reforms at the national level.
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The governor who lauded the president’s capacity to make bold decisions noted that this birthday is “an occasion to reflect on the goodness of Almighty God in the life of the first family and especially that of the Number One Citizen.
“Your life typifies divine grace and exceptional blessings from the beginning to date. You are a chosen one with all attributes of a blessed leader.
“Mr President, I pray that the divine hand that has been your guide and nurturer will continue to strengthen you as you govern this strategically important country of Africa.
“I use this opportunity to restate the continued commitment of the Osun state government under my leadership to closer mutual partnership between the Federal and the Osun state government. Mr President can count on us in the common task of delivering good governance and democratic dividends to our people.
“Our dear Asiwaju and Commander in Chief of this federation, as you celebrate your 73rd birthday, I pray to God to grant you more blessings and grace to continue to succeed in your presidential mandate and to live for more years in good health and prosperity.
“Happy blessed birthday, Mr President,” Gov Adeleke wrote.
The Kano State Police Command has refuted reports circulating on social media about an alleged attack on an 18-seater passenger bus in the state, calling the claims false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, dismissed the reports and urged the public to disregard them.
“The report is completely false and misleading. There was no such attack, and the public should not be misled by unverified information circulating online,” Kiyawa stated.
READ ALSO: Billions Lost As Fire Razes Kano Market, Recycling Hub
He reassured residents of the police command’s commitment to maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety, and fostering peaceful coexistence among diverse communities.
To address the spread of misinformation, the police have launched an investigation to identify the source of the false report. Authorities warned that those responsible would face consequences.
“The command urges the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that can incite fear, panic, and unrest in society,” Kiyawa added.
The police also advised citizens to rely on credible sources for information and avoid sharing unverified claims that could cause unnecessary alarm.
Saudi Arabia has announced the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon, confirming that Eid al-Fitr will be observed on Sunday, March 30, 2025.
The announcement was made on Saturday via Haramain’s official Facebook page, stating, “The crescent moon for the month of Shawwal 1446 was sighted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, Eid Al Fitr will be celebrated on Sunday, March 30, 2025.”
READ MORE: Troops Thwart Terror Plot During Eid-El-Kabir Celebrations In Kaduna
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and prayer, and is celebrated with communal prayers, festive meals, and acts of charity.
With Saudi Arabia’s confirmation, many countries that align their Islamic calendar with the kingdom are expected to follow suit, while others may conduct their own moon sightings to determine the date of the festival.
Muslims worldwide are preparing for the celebrations, which include special prayers, family gatherings, and the giving of alms, as part of Islamic tradition.
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