Emelieze was initially arrested on June 30, by the DSS for mobilising federal workers to demand the implementation of the N70,000. 

The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has demanded immediate and unconditional release of its National Coordinator, Comrade Andrew Emelieze from illegal arrest and detention by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Emelieze was initially arrested on June 30, by the DSS for mobilising federal workers to demand the implementation of the N70,000. 

He was released after public outcry but has now been rearrested, prompting renewed calls for his immediate and unconditional release.

However, in a statement issued on Saturday, jointly signed by Comrades Itoro Obong and Razak Oseni, the National Secretary and the National publicity Secretary respectively, the forum called on all members of the working class and Nigerians as a whole to rally together and join this moving train of solidarity against what it described as "modernised form of slavery that the Tinubu government has imposed on federal workers and Nigerians in form of subsidy removal, devaluation of our currency and victimisation of workers".

Noting that this has been President Bola Tinubu's trade in stock, citing similar situation when he was the Governor of Lagos State.

Highlighting the demands of Federal Workers Forum, the statement noted that this situation wasn't just about individual grievances, but a collective struggle for dignity, respect, and basic rights. 

The statement partly read, "Under the leadership of Comrade Andrew Emelieze, the Federal Workers Forum extends its heartfelt appreciation for the overwhelming public support concerning the unjust incarceration of Comrade Andrew Emelieze by the Department of State Security Services, an entity affiliated with the administration of President Bola Tinubu. 

"The circumstances surrounding this incident are a stark reminder of the pressing challenges facing our workforce. The issues faced by federal workers are not merely administrative but reflect a broader struggle against systemic injustices."

The forum noted that its demands were straightforward yet critical which include, enhanced welfare packages. 

"It is imperative that our government prioritises the welfare of federal workers, ensuring that we can adequately support ourselves and our families."

The workers' listed their six demands as: "Full implementation, non-taxation, and consequential adjustment of the new national minimum wage. 30% of consolidated salary as Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) to cushion the effects of inflation. 

"Immediate payment of all promotion arrears owed federal workers across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) from 2021 to date. Settlement of all peculiar allowances and salary reviews (25%-35%) owed to sectors such as Health, Federal Teaching Institutions (FTI), and others.

"An end to persistent salary payment delays, especially in tertiary institutions and finally full payment of the remaining wage awards and entitlement."

The workers maintained their firm stand in their advocacy for these essential reforms. 'We also implore the public and civil society organisations to support our efforts. Together, we can work towards a fairer and more just workplace for all federal employees."