According to the Union, this decision is due to the ongoing emergency rule in the state.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced that this year’s Workers' Day celebration in Rivers State will be held in a subdued manner.
According to the Union, this decision is due to the ongoing emergency rule in the state.
Rivers State NLC Chairman, Alex Agwanwor, made the announcement in a statement, explaining that, given the absence of democratic governance in the state, the event would be more about reflection than celebration.
The statement emphasised that the day would focus on the need for the restoration of democratic governance and the prioritisation of the people in leadership, rather than on fanfare.
"In line with our tradition, Workers’ Day will be commemorated on May 1, 2025. This year, Congress has finalised arrangements to mark the day with the theme: ‘Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,’ to be observed across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory," the statement read in part.
"As a democratic organisation, we must use this occasion to call for the restoration of democratic rule in Rivers State."
The NLC also revealed plans to hold a rally on May 1, with participation from its affiliate members.
"Therefore, you are directed to organise a peaceful rally within the premises of the Rivers State Council of the NLC, involving all affiliate members," the statement said.
"The rally should include messages advocating democratic governance, improved welfare for workers, and the people’s yearning for freedom and liberty.”
In March, the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) demanded the immediate reversal of the state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
The labour unions strongly condemned President Tinubu’s decision, describing it as unconstitutional and a dangerous overreach of executive power.
The unions argued that the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly lacked legal justification.
They further warned that Tinubu’s actions threaten the autonomy of state governments, undermining Nigeria’s federal structure.
"No democratic society can thrive where elected leaders are arbitrarily removed at the whims of the President," the unions said.
"This reckless move should deeply concern every reasonable governor and citizen who believes in the rule of law."
The labour unions urged President Tinubu to immediately revoke the declaration, citing Section 305(6) of the Constitution, which outlines the legal process for declaring and sustaining a state of emergency.
"The President, as the custodian of the nation’s executive powers, must exercise restraint, respect constitutional limits, and act in a manner that inspires national confidence rather than suspicion," they stated.
They also warned that past instances of political overreach have had dire consequences for Nigeria and that the country cannot afford to repeat such mistakes.
"Nigeria has suffered the painful consequences of political overreach in the past, and we cannot afford to repeat such mistakes," the unions said.
Beyond the legal and political concerns, the unions highlighted the socio-economic consequences of the state of emergency, predicting severe hardships for workers and businesses in Rivers State and beyond.
They warned that the decision could disrupt economic activities and force businesses to shut down or scale back operations, leading to job losses, wage cuts, and economic hardship for thousands of workers in the formal and informal sectors.
They also warned that it could create an atmosphere of uncertainty, discourage investment, slow economic growth, and expose citizens to security risks, as politically motivated states of emergency often escalate rather than resolve crises.