Rivers LG Crisis: NLC, TUC Request Police To Leave Secretariats

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Rivers State request that the police who have taken over local government secretariats in the state, to leave the council premises.

They made the demand following an emergency state administrative council meeting at the NLC secretariat in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital on Friday.

The meeting addressed three key issues: the constitution and inauguration of caretaker committees in the 23 local government areas, the call by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for a state of emergency in the state, and the police takeover of council secretariats.

NLC Chairman in Rivers State Alex Agwanwor acknowledged the police’s efforts to maintain peace but stated that denying workers access to their offices is a breach of their rights.

He urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to instruct the Rivers State Commissioner of Police Olatunji Disu to grant workers access to their offices to carry out their legitimate duties.

The labour groups warned that if their appeal is ignored, they will mobilise their members to reclaim their offices.

Regarding the APC’s call for a state of emergency, the NLC chief said such a demand is not in the best interest of the state.

The TUC Chairman Ikechukwu Onyefuru also provided insight on why it is illogical to call for a state of emergency in Rivers State.