Federal government employees have expressed relief following the release of labour activist Comrade Andrew Emelieze after 14 days in Department of State Services (DSS) custody, while simultaneously condemning what they describe as increasing government suppression of workers' rights movements.
The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria confirmed Emelieze's release late Tuesday, with members describing his detention without trial as "an alarming assault on democratic freedoms." The labour leader was reportedly arrested during a peaceful protest against new wage policies in Ibadan on June 12.
"This unjust detention signals dangerous times for labour organizing," said a union representative who requested anonymity. "When activists can disappear for weeks without charges, it creates a climate of fear among workers fighting for their rights."
Multiple labour groups have reported intensified scrutiny of their activities since the beginning of the year, including cancelled protest permits, frozen union accounts, and arbitrary arrests. The Nigeria Labour Congress plans emergency meetings to address what it calls "a pattern of state intimidation."
Human rights organizations have documented 17 cases of labour activists detained nationwide in 2024 alone - triple last year's figures. Legal experts warn these actions may violate International Labour Organization conventions ratified by Nigeria.
As celebrations continue over Emelieze's release, worker coalitions are demanding written assurances from security agencies guaranteeing protection of constitutional rights to assembly and protest. The DSS has yet to comment on the detention or specify whether charges will be filed.
The situation has drawn international attention, with Amnesty International urging Nigerian authorities to "immediately end the harassment of legitimate labour organizations." Analysts suggest these developments may strain already tense government-worker relations ahead of planned nationwide strikes.
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