The National Coordinator of the Federal Workers Forum (FWF), Andrew Emelieze has been re-arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS), just days after his initial release sparked public outcry.
Reliable sources confirmed to our correspondent that DSS operatives picked up Emelieze early Friday morning and secretly arraigned him before securing what labour leaders describe as a “questionable detention warrant.” This comes barely 48 hours after his previous release in Ibadan following widespread condemnation of his initial arrest.
The arrest appears connected to the FWF’s planned nationwide protest on July 1 demanding:
– Implementation of new minimum wage
– Payment of outstanding wage awards (last paid in April)
– Improved welfare packages for federal workers
Despite the crackdown, FWF’s National Secretary confirmed after an emergency online meeting that the protest remains “sacrosanct,” citing government’s failure to address workers’ grievances.
Emelieze had reportedly established contact with the Director of Finance before his re-arrest, obtaining confirmation that delayed May-June wage awards would be paid alongside July salaries. Workers however insist this doesn’t address fundamental issues requiring systemic reforms.
Human rights groups have condemned the latest arrest as an attempt to suppress legitimate labour agitation, while security sources maintain they’re preventing potential breakdown of public order.
