The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has cancelled centralised Employees’ Day celebrations in Rivers and Edo states this 12 months resulting from political instability and interference.

NLC management instructed all affiliated unions in Rivers State to watch the Might 1 occasion quietly on the NLC state secretariat, whereas directing unions in Edo State to mark the day individually at their particular person secretariats.

The directives got here by separate letters dated April 22, 2025, addressed to NLC chairmen in each states and signed by Deputy Common Secretary Ismail Bello.

In Rivers, the NLC strongly opposes the declaration of emergency rule and appointment of a sole administrator, demanding a return to democratic governance. In Edo, the union protests what it describes as authorities interference within the state council’s affairs.

The NLC emphasised in its letter to Rivers State NLC Chairman Alex Agwanwor that this 12 months’s Employees’ Day, themed “Reclaiming the Civic Area amid Financial Hardship,” would give attention to advocating for democracy’s restoration reasonably than celebrations.

Learn Additionally: Adamawa governor suspends Emir over corruption allegations

“Given the subversion of democratic governance in Rivers State, this 12 months’s Might Day calls for sober reflection, not festivities. Subsequently, you’re directed to carry a peaceable rally inside the premises of the NLC council, specializing in democracy, employees’ welfare, and the decision for freedom,” the letter said.

In one other letter to Edo State NLC Chairman Olaye Odion, the union instructed affiliated organisations to commemorate the day independently at their union workplaces, citing ongoing efforts to resolve inner disputes inside the Edo State NLC council.

The union assured members that efforts to revive unity would proceed and referred to as for peaceable Might Day observances within the state.

Tensions between the Edo State Authorities and NLC have grown following the administration’s refusal to recognise Odion’s management resulting from political disagreements main as much as final 12 months’s governorship election.

The federal government additionally faces accusations of fuelling divisions inside the NLC council and irritating mediation makes an attempt by each the NLC’s nationwide physique and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.