Atiku slams Tinubu over unpaid wage awards, demands release of detained labour activist

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of economic mismanagement, broken promises to civil servants, and a growing culture of authoritarianism.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, Atiku faulted President Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidy on the day of his inauguration, describing it as “hasty and thoughtless,” and blaming the move for the “economic avalanche” that has plunged millions of Nigerians into deepening poverty, inflation, and hunger.

Atiku lamented the government’s failure to honour its commitment to federal workers regarding the wage award — a temporary relief measure promised in the wake of the subsidy removal — while minimum wage negotiations were ongoing. He noted that although the Tinubu administration took 10 months to reach a new minimum wage agreement, only six out of the 10 months of promised wage awards have been paid.

“By implication, the Federal Government owes four months of wage award arrears — ₦35,000 monthly — amounting to ₦140,000 per worker,” Atiku said, adding that the administration has continually failed to meet its obligations despite repeated assurances.

While commending several state governments for their proactive approach to labour issues, Atiku criticised the Federal Government for showing “callous indifference and utter disdain for workers’ welfare.”

He further condemned the recent arrest and detention of labour activist Comrade Andrew Uche Emelieze, who was apprehended for attempting to organise a peaceful protest demanding the payment of the overdue wage awards.

“His only crime was speaking up for workers abandoned by the state,” Atiku stated, demanding Emelieze’s “immediate and unconditional release.”

According to the former Vice President, Emelieze’s continued detention is “an affront to democracy, a slap in the face of every Nigerian worker, and a chilling reminder of the authoritarian drift of the Tinubu administration.”

Atiku concluded with a rallying call to Nigerian workers: “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 presidency is yet to respond to the allegations.