The National Coordinator of the Federal Workers Forum (FWF), Comrade Andrew Uche Emelieze, has been arrested and detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Ibadan, Oyo State, just days ahead of a planned nationwide protest.
Sources say the arrest is directly linked to the upcoming July 1 protest, organized to demand the implementation of the national minimum wage, payment of allowances, and other unresolved welfare issues affecting federal workers.
One source described the arrest as “tyrannical,” calling for Emelieze’s immediate release.
“This arrest is tyrannical. The DSS must release Andrew immediately! #RevolutionNow,” the source stated.
Despite his detention, the FWF has confirmed the protest will proceed as scheduled. The Forum reiterated its commitment to peaceful, democratic action and urged all federal workers to mobilize.
According to SaharaReporters, the FWF held an online meeting on June 29, during which members affirmed that the federal government’s delayed wage awards and broken promises left them no choice but to take to the streets.
The FWF outlined its core demands, including:
Full implementation and non-taxation of the new minimum wage
30% Cost of Living Allowance (COLA)
Payment of promotion arrears from 2021 to date
Full disbursement of peculiar allowances and salary reviews (25–35%)
Resolution of salary delays for tertiary institution staff
Settlement of all outstanding wage awards
A statement from the FWF declared,
“Federal workers deserve a living wage as promised, not a slave wage. July 1st Protest is sacrosanct.”
The Forum remains committed to peaceful engagement but warns that continued neglect and policy inconsistencies will no longer be tolerated.
