The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested and detained Comrade Andrew Uche Emelieze, National Coordinator of the Federal Workers Forum (FWF), in Ibadan, Oyo State, sparking outrage among labour activists and civil society groups.
Emelieze’s arrest is reportedly connected to the FWF’s planned nationwide protest on July 1, aimed at demanding the full payment of the long-delayed minimum wage and other welfare allowances for federal workers.
Sources close to the Forum described the arrest as “tyrannical” and “an assault on democratic rights,” calling for his immediate release. “Andrew Uche Emelieze has been detained by the DSS this evening. This is clearly in connection with the upcoming July 1 protest.
Despite the arrest, the Federal Workers Forum has insisted the protest will go on as scheduled. Following an emergency virtual meeting held on Saturday, June 29, the Forum released a statement reaffirming its commitment to mass action.
According to the FWF’s National Secretary, workers remain frustrated by the government’s continued delays in implementing promised wage awards and welfare initiatives. Although a recent conversation between Emelieze and a government official indicated that the next tranche of wage awards would be disbursed after the June salary payments, Forum leaders say this is not enough.
“Federal workers cannot continue to suffer in silence. The government has failed to implement key policies that would ease our burden. July 1 is our stand — with or without intimidation,” the statement read.
Labour groups, rights activists, and civil society organisations are expected to monitor developments closely.
