Rivers civil servants to shun May Day celebrations, protest emergency rule
By Passman Akpos
The Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) says civil servants in Rivers will not mark this year’s May Day due to the state’s prevailing political crisis.
Chukwuka Osumah, Rivers NCSU chairman, said the decision is a result of the emergency rule in the state and the suspension of Siminalayi Fubara as governor.
Osumah said workers would refrain from the traditional celebrations as a mark of solidarity with Fubara, whom he said gave civil servants a “new lease of life” and a strong sense of belonging.
He said the directive not to celebrate May Day was in line with instructions from the national secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which has asked affiliate unions in Rivers to stage rallies within their premises.
He described the pro-Fubara protests in parts of the state as evidence of his popularity and proof that he is loved by the people.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to swiftly reinstate the suspended governor.
Osumah praised the reported meeting between Tinubu and Fubara in London, calling it a bold and pragmatic move to address the “injustices” against the governor.
On March 19, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers following the prolonged political crisis in the south-south state.
The president also suspended Ngozi Odu, the deputy governor, and members of the state assembly.Tinubu nominated Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, as the sole administrator of the state.
