The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called off its centralized May Day celebrations in Rivers and Edo states due to the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers and purported political interference in the Edo State council’s operations.
The national leadership of the NLC has instructed all affiliated industrial unions in Rivers to limit their observance of the celebrations to the NLC secretariat within the state. Likewise, unions in Edo State are to mark May Day independently at their respective secretariats.
This directive was conveyed in separate letters dated April 22, 2025, addressed to the NLC chairpersons in both states and signed by Ismail Bello, Deputy General Secretary of the NLC.
The NLC vehemently opposes the emergency rule in Rivers, which has led to the appointment of a sole administrator, and is demanding the restoration of the elected government. In Edo, the NLC is at odds with the current administration, citing interference and division within the state council.
In the communication to Rivers NLC Chairman Alex Agwanwor, the organization stated: “In line with our tradition, Workers’ Day will be commemorated on May 1, 2025. This year, the Congress has finalized arrangements to honor the day with the theme, ‘Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,’ which will be observed across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).”Meanwhile, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised concerns regarding what it sees as an unnecessary delay by the Supreme Court of Nigeria in scheduling a hearing for the legal challenge against the emergency proclamation in Rivers State, along with the controversial suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In a statement signed by National Coordinator Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA suggested that the delay could signal judicial apprehension regarding the landmark constitutional issues raised in the case.
The rights group warned that such perceived inaction could undermine Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.HURIWA also posited that the delay might be a strategic move to pressure the appellants—11 governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—into pursuing a political settlement with the Federal Government rather than seeking a judicial resolution. Additionally, the organization criticized the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for allegedly taking advantage of the situation to coerce some PDP governors into switching their allegiance or endorsing President Bola Tinubu for a second term, using the threat of political retribution.
PROF’LEE9JA⛱️ MEDIA
Follow 👣our WhatsApp Channel to get the 🔔 latest of news delivered at ur door 🚪⬇https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VazTO6AFnSzIbWYJjO1K
Telegram Channel
