Rivers NLC boycotts May Day celebration, demands reinstatement of suspended governor, assembly

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Rivers State boycotted the annual May Day celebration, instead gathering to demand the immediate reinstatement of the suspended Governor, Deputy Governor, and State House of Assembly members

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n Rivers State, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) did not participate in the annual May Day Celebration held at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium.

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Instead, workers and NLC members convened at the union’s Secretariat in D-Line, Port Harcourt, to voice their strong demand for the reinstatement of the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Dr. Ngozi Odu, and members of the state’s House of Assembly.

State NLC Chairman, Alex Agwanwor, addressing the workers, affirmed the congress’s unwavering commitment to fighting for democracy, emphasizing the favorable working conditions enjoyed by workers under a democratic system in the state.

This action followed a directive from the national president of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, who cited the absence of a democratic government in Rivers State as the reason for abstaining from the usual Labour Day festivities.

Workers at the secretariat held placards with messages such as ‘Reinstate Rivers State Government’, ‘We want Governor Fubara back’, and ‘We say no to military leadership in Rivers State’, underscoring their stance.

The organised labour fought for democracy, we are a product of democracy and we will continue to fight till democracy is well entrenched in our land.” – Alex Agwanwor, Rivers State NLC Chairman.

Agwanwor appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure the swift reinstatement of the democratically elected officials.

The state NLC also called on the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), to facilitate a genuine reconciliation process leading to the quick return of the elected representatives.

Furthermore, they raised demands for the payment of pension arrears, gratuity, implementation of increments and promotions for non-teaching polytechnic staff, and improved conditions for riders in the state.

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Agwanwor clarified that the NLC remains neutral in the political situation, focusing solely on the welfare of its members and seeking to partner with all stakeholders for their advancement.