The Rivers State Council of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has warned the public about individuals impersonating its officials.

State Chairman Comrade Samuel Ogan, who assumed office with other executives on October 30, 2025, said the alert follows reports of people visiting institutions and engaging authorities while posing as TUC leaders.

Ogan who made the disclosure on Thursday while briefing journalists at the council Secretariat, stressed that only the elected officers are authorized to act on behalf of the council, describing the impersonation as potentially harmful.

He said, “Sequel to my emergence as the State Chairman of TUC Rivers State Council with a full complement of elected State Administrative Council (SAC) members on October 30, 2025; and the subsequent information that there are some persons parading themselves as TUC Rivers State paying courtesy visits to institutions and constituted authorities, and carrying out activities in the name of TUC Rivers State Council.

“It has become necessary to address the general public because the situation calls for grave concern as it is misleading.”

Providing context on the election that produced Comradel Ogan described the election that produced the current leadership of the TUC Rivers State Council as transparent and orderly, fully adhering to the Congress’ electoral guidelines.

He noted that the timetable and procedures were publicly shared well in advance, explaining that a State Delegates Conference (SDC) Organizing Committee, chaired by Comrade Nyeche Wodike, oversaw preparations, while an Electoral Committee from the TUC National Secretariat, led by Comrade Anthony Ebaho, supervised the election.

He highlighted that the Congress, representing senior staff of reputable companies and government institutions, encourages unity, fairness, and non-violence. In cases with multiple aspirants for a position, harmonisation is offered, though those unwilling to step down can contest.

Ogan recalled that during this process, the factional chairman, Comrade Udoka, and his group abruptly refused to participate and walked out without explanation.

He said,“As an apex organization of senior staff of reputable companies and Government Institutions that promote unity, equity, fair play and eschew violence, there was a window for harmonization of candidates for positions that have more than two candidates.

“That has been our common practice in previous state delegates’ elections and those who refused to step down for each other were normally allowed to go to the polls.

“It was in this gathering that the Imposter TUC Chairman Comrade Udoka and his team clearly stated that they will not be part of the election for reasons best known to them and staged a walkout.”

The state TUC Chairman urged the government, the public, stakeholders, and all relevant agencies to engage only with the duly elected leadership of the TUC in Rivers State.

He also called on the national leadership of ASCSN and M.NAVY to rein in their state chapters, noting that their continued refusal to work with the democratically elected TUC leadership was undermining their credibility, stressing that no two affiliate unions can constitute a labour centre in any state.

Comrade Ogan reiterated his appeal to the public, TUC stakeholders, government institutions, and all agencies to recognize and relate exclusively with the legitimate leadership of the Rivers State TUC under his chairmanship.

Ogan, who previously cautioned the dissident affiliates posing as a parallel leadership, disclosed that he has formally informed Governor Siminalayi Fubara and all relevant security agencies in the state about the situation.

“I hereby warn the two affiliates, ASCSN and M.NAVY, who are presenting themselves as a parallel leadership, to desist, as there is only one legitimate TUC Rivers State Council.

“As the recognized state leadership, we have formally written to the Governor, the Commissioner of Police, the Director of the DSS, the NSCDC, and several other agencies. The purpose is to schedule courtesy visits and provide them with firsthand information on these matters. Unfortunately, these fraudsters have gone completely haywire.” (Daily Independent)

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