Ogan-Led TUC Rivers Council Demands Recognition, Cautions Dissident Affiliates
The Trade Union Congress (TUC), Rivers State Council, has reaffirmed that there is no crisis or parallel leadership within the state chapter, insisting that the administration elected on October 30, 2025, remains the only legitimate leadership of the Congress in the state.
Briefing journalist on November 27, 2025, at the TUC Secretariat in Port Harcourt, the Chairman of the Council, Comrade Samuel Deinma Ogan, said the clarification became necessary following attempts by some affiliate unions to create the impression of division within the state labour centre.
Comrade Ogan explained that the process leading to the emergence of the current leadership was transparent and strictly followed the TUC electoral guidelines. According to him, a State Delegates Conference Organizing Committee and an Electoral Committee were duly constituted to oversee the elections. 
He noted that despite attempts by some affiliates to disrupt the exercise, the election was successfully conducted on October 30, 2025, leading to the emergence of ten officials who now form the State Administrative Committee (SAC) of the TUC Rivers State Council.
The Chairman urged the public, government agencies, and TUC stakeholders to recognize and engage only with the democratically elected leadership. He also called on the national leadership of ASCSN and M.NAVY to caution their Rivers State chapters, accusing them of parading themselves as a parallel leadership contrary to labour norms.
“There is only one TUC Rivers State Council,” Ogan emphasized, warning the two affiliates to desist from creating confusion in the labour movement.
He listed the newly elected officials as follows: Comrade Samuel D. Ogan – Chairman, Comrade Beatrice Fombo – Vice Chairman, Comrade Christopher Akaduru Amadi – Secretary, Comrade Ojie Elijah – Assistant Secretary, Comrade Japhet Sunday – Treasurer, Comrade Oye Otaraku – Financial Secretary, Comrade Innocent Lord-Douglas – Public Relations Officer, Comrade Rasaq Animasaun – Auditor, Comrade Ibiene Finebone – Chairperson, Women Commission, Comrade Joy Nwanosike – Secretary, Women Commission.
Ogan disclosed that an extraordinary State Executive Committee meeting held on November 25, 2025, with affiliate leaders, demonstrated the unity and cohesion within the Congress and further reaffirmed support for his administration.
He pledged that the leadership would continue working in synergy with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), led in the state by Comrade Alex Ikechi, to strengthen trade unionism and protect workers’ rights.
Comrade Ogan called on all stakeholders to support the legitimate leadership, stressing that the TUC remains united and focused.
