Former Labour Leaders Rally Behind Fubara, Condemn Impeachment Calls
Demand Immediate Reopening of Rivers Council Secretariats
Amidst the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State, former labour leaders have expressed their unequivocal support for the state’s governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, condemning calls for his impeachment. The Former Labour Leaders Forum in Rivers State decried the actions of political opponents seeking to undermine the governor’s administration and called for a cessation of divisive rhetoric.
Former Labour Leaders Stand with Fubara
Speaking at a press conference in Port Harcourt, the Chairman of the Former Labour Leaders Forum, Comrade Achese Igwe, voiced concerns over the recent political developments. He specifically called out individuals who, in his words, were not acting in the best interest of the state’s administration.
"The Forum is deeply concerned about the current state of affairs in Rivers State, especially warring comments by some political actors who do not mean well for the smooth administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara," Igwe stated. He urged political figures to cease actions that disrupt the peace and stability of the state.
Commitment to Supporting Good Governance
Comrade Igwe, a former President of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to supporting Governor Fubara in his efforts to deliver good governance to the people of Rivers State. He emphasized the need for a distraction-free administration, stating that the governor should be allowed to continue his socio-economic and infrastructural development programs.
"We remain committed to supporting the efforts of His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State, towards improving the lives of Rivers people through his ongoing socio-economic, human, and infrastructural development programs," Igwe added.
The former labour leader also expressed frustration over what he described as incessant political distractions from individuals who had enjoyed a peaceful administration in the past. "Enough is enough of your incessant distractions to the present administration. Rivers people need peace," he asserted.
Condemnation of Impeachment Calls
The forum also condemned recent calls for Governor Fubara’s impeachment. A factional leader of the Nigerian Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in Rivers State, Comrade Nwisabari Bani, had earlier called for impeachment proceedings to commence against the governor. Comrade Igwe dismissed these calls as baseless and above the capacity of the individuals involved.
"The Forum condemns in its totality the recent call by an embattled faction of the NYCN led by one Nwisabari Bani, for the impeachment of the governor of Rivers State. We urge him to immediately retract such statements as they are beyond his capacity," Igwe stressed.
Call for Reopening of Council Secretariats
In addition to condemning the impeachment clamor, the Former Labour Leaders Forum demanded the immediate reopening of the 23 local government council headquarters in the state. The council secretariats had been shut down by police authorities, restricting civil servants from accessing their offices.
"We call on the Inspector General of Police to immediately withdraw his men from all the 23 local government councils in Rivers State and allow civil servants to return to work," Igwe stated. He further urged the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to intervene in the situation.
Support for Upcoming Local Government Elections
Turning to the forthcoming local government elections, the group called on all political parties to support Governor Fubara in ensuring the success of the elections. They emphasized that a peaceful election would help strengthen the democratic process and bring stability to the state.
Appeal for Protection of Labour Rights
The forum also addressed recent attacks on labour leaders by security agencies. Comrade Igwe urged the Nigerian government to respect the fundamental rights of labour unions to freely associate and carry out their activities without interference. He emphasized that the freedom of expression and association was enshrined in the country’s constitution and should be upheld.
"In the same vein, we call on the Nigerian state to allow the organised labour movement to operate within the provisions of the extant laws of the land without unnecessary interference from state security operatives," Igwe concluded.
The Former Labour Leaders Forum’s press briefing highlighted the need for political stability, respect for labour rights, and support for the current administration to ensure the continued development of Rivers State.
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