May Day protest: NLC’s stand on Rivers is a critical turning point
With just over a week until the 2025 May Day celebration, workers in Rivers State have received a directive from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) instructing them to forgo the traditional rally and instead take part in a peaceful protest.
The instruction, issued by the NLC’s National Secretariat in Abuja, was communicated through a letter signed by the Deputy General Secretary, Comrade Ismail Bello. Addressed to the Rivers State chapter, the letter urged all affiliate unions to gather at the NLC Secretariat on 1 May 2025 to protest the ongoing state of emergency in the state, which was declared by President Ahmed Tinubu on 18 March 2025.
Protesters are expected to carry placards calling for the restoration of democratic governance in Rivers State, as well as messages focused on workers’ welfare.
This decision from the NLC comes amid continuing political tension in the state, stemming from a protracted conflict between Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The disagreement, the specifics of which remain largely undisclosed, escalated to involve 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, most of whom are considered political allies of the FCT Minister.
The dispute deepened with attempted impeachment proceedings against the Governor, the attack on the State Assembly complex, the alleged defection of the 27 lawmakers from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the declaration that their seats were vacant.
A Supreme Court ruling added further complexity, affirming the legislative authority of the 27 lawmakers and paving the way for the presentation of the 2025 appropriation bill to them. However, tensions persisted as the lawmakers reportedly declined meetings with the Governor and later adjourned the Assembly sine die.
Concerns over security in the state intensified following the attack on the Trans-Niger Bodo–Bonny crude oil pipeline and threats from unidentified groups against national infrastructure. These developments preceded the federal government’s declaration of emergency rule, suspending both the Governor and the legislators for six months and appointing retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator.
Since his appointment, Ibas has dissolved various state boards and commissions, including the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), and installed interim administrators in all 23 local government areas.
There have been reports of a recent closed-door meeting in London between President Tinubu and the suspended Governor, possibly aimed at resolving the impasse. Details of that meeting have not been disclosed.
The NLC’s decision to hold a protest rather than a rally on May Day is unusual and may be a first in Nigeria’s history. While it signals discontent with the current political situation, it also reflects growing calls for a return to democratic governance in Rivers State.
The focus of this year’s May Day event, as directed by the NLC, appears to shift from celebration to civic engagement. The action underscores concerns over political stability and democratic processes within the state.
As the situation unfolds, calls for dialogue and de-escalation continue. Political actors on all sides, the Governor, the lawmakers, and the FCT Minister, are being urged by civil society groups and stakeholders to prioritise reconciliation and return the state to democratic norms.
The NLC leadership, under Comrade Joe Ajaero, has stated its commitment to seeing democratic structures restored in Rivers State. How this will be achieved remains to be seen, but the decision to convert May Day into a platform for peaceful protest marks a significant development in the unfolding political narrative.
