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Labour Threatens Action If Rivers Emergency Rule Is Not Reversed
Published
3 months agoon
By
Editor
The Organised Labour has strongly condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, warning that it may be forced to take decisive action that could disrupt national economic activities if the proclamation is not reversed within a reasonable timeframe.
The threat was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Rivers State Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Alex Agwanwor; State Chairperson of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ikechukwu Onyefuru; and Chairperson of the Joint Negotiation Council (JNC), Chuku Emecheta.
The labour unions raised concerns about the legality, economic impact, and consequences of the federal government’s actions.
The Organised Labour described the declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of the elected governor, Siminalayi Fubara; deputy governor, Ngozi Odu; and House of Assembly members as premature and baseless.
READ ALSO: NLC, TUC Reject Rivers State Emergency, Call It Assault On Democracy
According to the union leaders, the people of Rivers State freely elected these officials, and any attempt to remove them outside constitutional processes undermines democracy.
They insisted that such actions must be reversed to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic system.
They highlighted the immediate hardship the state of emergency has caused for local government workers, many of whom have yet to receive their salaries.
The statement noted that withholding workers’ wages has exposed them to avoidable economic suffering, particularly at a time when the cost of living is already high.
READ ALSO:
READ ALSO: NLC Threatens Nationwide Protest Over Telecoms, Electricity Tariff Hikes
The Organised Labour warned that the state of emergency could have devastating economic consequences, emphasising Rivers State’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s economy and the Niger Delta region.
It said with the nation already grappling with inflation, naira devaluation, high exchange rates, rising unemployment, and skyrocketing living costs, further instability in Rivers State could worsen the situation nationwide.
The statement also pointed out that the political uncertainty caused by the state of emergency has driven away potential investors who had expressed interest in the state’s economic initiative.
This loss of investment, according to labour leaders, is damaging the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) and will have long-term consequences for economic development and employment opportunities in the region.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: NLC Suspends Nationwide Protest Against Telecom Tariff Hike
While acknowledging the need for maintaining law and order, the Organized Labour stressed that such actions must be carried out within the framework of the Nigerian Constitution.
The unions argued that suspending elected officials and allegedly disrupting salary payments for workers violate fundamental rights and could worsen security and economic challenges.
They urged the Federal Government to prioritise the safety and welfare of citizens over political interests, warning that any governance approach that sacrifices workers’ well-being for political maneuvers would only heighten tensions and resistance.
The statement called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, and the judiciary to take immediate steps to reverse the state of emergency and reinstate the suspended elected officials.
READ ALSO: NLC Gives Govs Dec 1 Ultimatum For Minimum Wage Payment
In a bid to resolve the situation peacefully, the unions advised the federal government to engage in meaningful dialogue with relevant stakeholders.
They warned that a failure to do so could lead to further escalation of the crisis, worsening the already tense political atmosphere in the state.
While calling on workers to remain calm and continue their duties, the Organised Labour leaders warned that they would not hesitate to take strategic union actions if their demands were not met within a reasonable timeframe.
Such actions, they emphasised, could have significant consequences for national economic activities.
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News
PHOTOS: Peace Restored In Delta Community As Council Boss, Takeme, Wades In
Published
8 hours agoon
July 1, 2025By
Editor
Tuomo, a riverine community in Delta State’s Burutu Local Government Area, is experiencing renewed calm following decisive intervention by local authorities to settle a heated leadership crisis.
On Monday, Burutu LGA Chairman, Dr. Julius Takeme, led a peace delegation to the area, spearheading reconciliation discussions and reinforcing the government’s commitment to long-term stability.
Dr. Takeme highlighted his administration’s resolve to implement Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s broader peace and security strategy for Burutu LGA.

Dr. Julius Takeme, Chairman, Burutu LG during the meeting on Monday, 30 June, 2025
Addressing the main source of discord—the controversial selection process for a new Amananawei (traditional ruler)—he emphasized the need for transparent and lawful resolution to avoid further division within the community.
READ ALSO: Clark’s Burial: Preparation In Top Gear As Burutu LG Boss Inspects Venue
“The council has zero tolerance for lawlessness or abuse of power,” Dr. Takeme declared, warning against intimidation, violence, or any form of extrajudicial detention.

A cross section of community people during the peace/reconciliation meeting on Monday, 30 June,2025.
In direct remarks to Tuomo Community Chairman, Mr. Edonyaibo Morentei Warebi and the newly confirmed Amananawei, Chief Arebebe Ebiyemi, he stressed the responsibility of leadership to uphold legality and promote inclusiveness.
“Leadership should be anchored on the rule of law, not on threats or coercion,” he told them, urging both leaders to unite the community and fulfill their electoral commitments. He further warned against any mishandling of the reconciliation process, assuring residents that the administration remained fully invested in protecting lives and fostering peace.
The chairman was accompanied by a high-level delegation that included the Nigeria Police Area Commander for Burutu, ACP Redengha Timpa, whose on-the-ground presence was vital in maintaining order and preventing renewed conflict. Senior officials from the local government also joined the mission, demonstrating a coordinated approach to crisis management.

A cross section of community women during the peace/reconciliation meeting on Monday, 30 June,2025.
READ ALSO: Delta: Burutu LG Boss, Takeme, Inaugurates Peace, Advocacy Committee
During his address, Dr. Takeme commended the police for their professionalism and praised ACP Timpa’s continuous engagement as a key factor in defusing tensions and restoring a sense of security among residents.
In response, Chief Arebebe Ebiyemi delivered a vote of thanks, acknowledging the chairman’s consistent intervention and pledging to work tirelessly for peace and unity. Community Chairman Mr. Warebi promised a leadership style grounded in inclusiveness and dialogue, describing this period as an opportunity to rebuild community trust and heal divisions.
Chief Ebiyemi further assured the council of his readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders in promoting a more harmonious and united Tuomo.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, from N880 to N840 per litre.
Spokesman for the Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, confirmed the price adjustment to The PUNCH on Monday night, saying the new rate took effect on June 30.
“PMS price has been reduced from N880 to N840 per litre effective 30th June,” Chiejina said.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: Again, Dangote Refinery Cuts Petrol Price
Recall that the Dangote refinery hiked the price of petrol to N880 as tension escalated during the 12-day crisis between Israel and Iran, raising the price of crude oil to almost $80 per barrel.
The PUNCH earlier reported that marketers anticipated that there would be a new price regime from Monday.
Dangote’s partners like MRS, Heyden and AP are expected to adjust their pump prices soon.
News
Ondo Confirms Petitions Seeking Coroner’s Inquest Into Akeredolu’s Death
Published
9 hours agoon
June 30, 2025By
Editor
Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, on Monday confirmed receipt of petitions demanding a formal coroner’s inquest into the death of former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
In a statement shared with The PUNCH, Ajulo declared that the public has every right under the Coroners Law of Ondo State to demand clarity in cases where foul play is suspected or questions linger.
“It is not out of place for citizens to demand its invocation when there are legitimate concerns.
“The Attorney General is duty-bound to act in accordance with the law once such concerns are raised by members of the public,” he stated.
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According to Ajulo, the Ministry of Justice has received multiple petitions, including from professional bodies and residents of the late governor’s hometown, urging his office to investigate what they described as troubling inconsistencies surrounding Akeredolu’s death.
Ajulo disclosed, “We have received petitions from groups both within and outside the state.
“Let me be clear: due process will be followed. The law is there to serve the people and ensure that truth and justice prevail.”
He noted that while emotions are running high, no individual will be presumed guilty, and neither will the process be derailed by sentiment or political interference.
“If invitations or arrests need to be made, the process will not deviate from doing the needful,” he declared.
Ajulo clarified that decisions such as inspecting the governor’s remains or summoning individuals fall squarely under the discretion of the Coroner Judge.
“The law will be allowed to take its course,” he emphasized.
Calling for calm and restraint, the Attorney General urged all stakeholders to approach the matter with a “deep sense of responsibility” to the legacy of the late governor and the peace of the state.
“We must approach this issue with civility, dignity, and a deep sense of responsibility to the legacy of the late Governor and the peace of the state,” he said.
Reaffirming the stance of the state’s leadership under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ajulo wrote, “No one is above the law, and no one is beneath its protection. “Where the law provides a remedy, the government of Governor Aiyedatiwa will not be found wanting.”
Until his death, Akeredolu was a two-term Governor of Ondo State and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association.
Reports from the state government stated that he died on December 27, 2023, at 67, after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer.
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