Rivers TUC Crisis Worsens as Senior Civil Servants Back Udoka Josiah Faction
The leadership dispute within the Rivers State chapter of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has taken a new turn, with the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) formally declaring support for the faction led by Comrade Udoka Josiah.
The senior civil servants also urged Governor Siminialayi Fubara and heads of ministries, departments and agencies to discontinue all official engagements with the rival group headed by Comrade Samuel Ogan.
The position of the association was made public in a communique issued after its enlarged State Executive Council meeting held at its secretariat in Port Harcourt.
According to the communique, the ASCSN affirmed its recognition of the November 30, 2025 State Delegates Conference of the TUC, which elected Comrade Josiah as chairman along with other members of the State Administrative Council.
The association rejected the outcome of an earlier conference held on October 13, 2025 that produced Comrade Ogan as chairman.
Reading the resolution of the meeting, the State Secretary of ASCSN, Elder June Danagogo, announced that senior civil servants in Rivers State were dissociating themselves completely from the process that brought Ogan to office.
”SEC categorically states that it does not recognise Comrade Samuel Ogan or his associates in any capacity as chairman or officers of the Trade Union Congress in Rivers State. He is hereby advised to refrain from involving himself, directly or indirectly in any matters concerning civil servants, “the association said.
The group further argued that Ogan’s background in the private sector disqualified him from representing public sector workers, advising him to limit his activities to his area of affiliation.
In addition, the association called on the state government to channel all labour-related correspondence through the Udoka Josiah-led executive.
”The meeting appealed to His Excellency, Sir Siminialayi Fubara and Heads of MDAs in Rivers State not to relate with the Comrade Samuel Ogan leadership of TUC on issues that affects public servants in Rivers State as public servants in Rivers State will not be part of any agreement or decision reached between government and the Samuel Ogan-led group, “ the association said.
The communique also demanded that Ogan and his team vacate the TUC State Secretariat located along the NTA-Ozouba Road in Port Harcourt, insisting that they had no legitimate authority to occupy the facility.
While reaffirming its commitment to protecting the interests of civil servants, the association stressed that it would resist any attempt by individuals from outside the public service to interfere in workers’ affairs.
Amid the controversy, the ASCSN commended Governor Fubara for approving N100,000 Christmas bonuses for public servants and pensioners in the state.
The association also praised the enrolment of civil servants into the National Social Insurance Trust Fund and the dissolution of the state pension board, describing the steps as measures that strengthen workers’ welfare and security.
However, in response to the development, Comrade Samuel Ogan maintained that he remains the legitimate chairman of the TUC in Rivers State, insisting that his election was duly supervised by the national leadership of the congress.
He argued that the ASCSN does not have the power to unilaterally withdraw from the TUC without following due process.
Ogan said if ASCSN Rivers State wants to pull out of the TUC, it should follow the laid down procedures.
He stated, “It’s quite unfortunate that ASCSN in Rivers State are saying TUC should not represent them but if that’s the case, there is a formal way for them to pull out of TUC in Rivers State. They need to follow that process or either through the National Secretariat but until then, they remain members of TUC in Rivers State.
“The national body participated in my election and if they have any proof that national supervised the election of the person they are supporting they should come forward with that.”
The unfolding disagreement has further complicated the already tense labour environment in Rivers State, with indications that the battle for control of the TUC structure may continue unless the national body intervenes decisively.
