Atiku slams Tinubu over unpaid minimum wage arrears

– Demands release of detained labour activist

Mkpoikana Udoma

Port Harcourt — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has berated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as economic mismanagement and disregard for workers’ welfare, demanding the immediate release of labour activist, Comrade Andrew Uche Emelieze, who reportedly was arrested for planning a protest over unpaid wage awards.

In a strongly worded statement on Sunday, Atiku criticised the removal of fuel subsidy on Tinubu’s inauguration day, which he said “triggered an economic avalanche” that has worsened inflation, deepened poverty, and pushed millions of Nigerians into despair.

“When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hastily and thoughtlessly removed fuel subsidy, he triggered an economic avalanche that has since buried the average Nigerian under the weight of inflation, hunger, and despair,” Atiku said.

As part of efforts to mitigate the impact of the subsidy removal, the Tinubu administration had promised a N35,000 wage award for federal civil servants pending the conclusion of a new national minimum wage. However, Atiku lamented that only six months out of the 10-month arrears have been paid, despite multiple assurances from the government.

“As of today, the Federal Government owes four months of wage awards, amounting to N140,000 per worker,” he revealed.

Describing the situation as a breach of trust, Atiku accused the Federal Government of callous indifference and utter disdain for Nigerian workers, noting that many state governments had outperformed the centre in labour relations.

“While several state governments have shown commendable responsibility, the Tinubu-led Federal Government has distinguished itself by its callous indifference.”

The former Vice President also condemned what he described as growing authoritarianism, citing the arrest and continued detention of Comrade Andrew Uche Emelieze, who attempted to organise a peaceful protest demanding the payment of the wage awards.

“His only ‘crime’ was speaking up for workers abandoned by the state. His continued detention is an affront to democracy and a slap in the face of every Nigerian worker.”

Atiku called for the immediate and unconditional release of Emelieze, warning that the government’s repression will not silence legitimate agitation from the people.

“Let it be known: Nigerian workers will not be silenced, intimidated, or forgotten. The economic hardship is real, the hunger is biting, and the government has a duty to act, not repress.”

The statement adds to growing pressure on the Federal Government as organised labour and civil society groups intensify demands for economic justice, wage transparency, and respect for civil liberties.