Nigerian labor unions have urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately reverse the suspension of the Rivers State government, calling it unconstitutional and a state of emergency.
The demands were made by Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, during the May Day celebration at Eagle Square in Abuja.
The labour leaders urged the Federal and state governments to cease actions that erode the civic space and deepen it for the sake of the nation.
Labour urged for transparent governance, electoral reforms, and the protection of dissenting voices, emphasizing the importance of democratic accountability.
Labour leaders called on the Federal Government to stop the widespread violence and killings, emphasizing that protecting citizens’ lives and property is the government’s top priority.
On the tax bills before the National Assembly, the organised labour called for their withdrawal to allow Nigerian workers to sit at the table where it is being conceived.
The NLC and TUC claim the tax bills unfairly target workers, exempting the rich and corporations, and were formulated without consulting labour unions.
On the hike in the telecommunication tariff, the labour demanded an immediate reduction from 50 percent to 35 percent.
Furthermore, the organised Labour has demanded an immediate salary adjustment that is commensurate to the current economic realities in the country.
Labour unions are also calling for prompt payment of all arrears of allowances, pensions, and gratuities, as well as restoring gratuity payments, raising the retirement age, and adjusting pensions for inflation.
