-- Insist that Governor Fubara prioritizes the people and labour...

In Rivers State, the 2024 May Day celebration, which took place during Governor Siminalaye Fubara\'s administration, stood out as an event that went beyond the conventional gathering of labour unions, instead bestowing dignity upon labour, revitalizing their aspirations and shedding light on their future.

Before his unconstitutional suspension, Governor Fubara carried out government policies and agendas intended to promote economic growth and enhance the welfare and overall well-being of workers.

Governor Fubara\'s welfare packages for Rivers workers during his first year in office include a One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000.00) workers\' Christmas bonus, a first in Rivers State history. Notably, the administration of Governor Fubara gave priority to worker welfare by implementing long-overdue promotions for state and local government workers, complete with full financial benefits, as well as paying a minimum wage of Thirty Thousand Naira (N30,000.00) to local government workers.

As an administration that was founded on the principle of prioritizing citizens needs and workers welfare over political favor, Governor Fubara effectively addressed stagnation within the civil service and infrastructure degradation, leading to notable improvements. The implementation of urban transportation schemes facilitated staff mobility and commercial activities, driving economic growth.

In response to Governor Fubara\'s goodwill and intentions, a May Day protest rally was held in Port Harcourt, organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress and its affiliate bodies, advocating for the swift restoration of democratic governance in Rivers State.

Highlighting the economic implications of the disruption of democratic institutions in the state on workers welfare, including the obstruction of pensioners gratuities, delayed payments, and interference of intruders in Rivers State governance, Mr. Chukwuka Osumah, Chairman of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), informed the press that Rivers State civil servants would boycott the traditional May Day march pass, which they felt should be exclusively reserved for Governor Fubara, the duly elected labour-friendly governor of Rivers State.

Additionally, the labour leader stated that the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as Rivers State Sole Administrator was in conflict with democratic principles and fiscal federalism, and highlighted the theme of the 2025 Workers Day, which centred on \'Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship.\'