The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) in a scathing statement yesterday decrying what it describes as the Federal Government’s continued neglect and suppression of federal workers.

The group, representing federal civil servants nationwide, accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of trampling on workers’ rights and failing to fulfill key financial commitments.

Speaking through its National Coordinator, Comrade Andrew Emelieze, the FWF said workers were being treated as “slaves” rather than citizens.

“Our government is not treating we the Federal Government workers well.

“We are really very disappointed in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“This regime is becoming more and more repressive and suppressive”, Emelieze declared.

The core of their grievances lies in the government’s failure to pay a N35,000 wage award, introduced to cushion the harsh economic effects of fuel subsidy removal.

According to the forum, five months of this payment, dating back to March 2024 remain unpaid despite repeated government assurances.

“The Accountant General had promised to pay immediately after April salary.

“The Minister of Finance also promised to pay up in 48 hours, yet the workers have not seen a kobo of the outstanding wage award”, Emelieze said.

FWF outlined series of demands and protests, warning that unless the issues are resolved, a full-blown nationwide industrial protest will commence.

In a bold move, the Forum has called on all federal workers in Abuja to resume work at the Federal Ministry of Finance tomorrow, May 26, insisting that “we will not entertain any promises again.”

The Forum vowed to continue occupying the Ministry until all outstanding payments are made.

Among the demands outlined are immediate payment of all five months outstanding wage awards, full implementation of the new national minimum wage by June salary, payment of the balance of 40 per cent peculiar allowance since August 2024, among others.

FWF National Secretary, Comrade Itoro Obong, stressed the urgency of the situation, warning: “We are compelled to take this action as all other means have yielded no fruits.

“We hope and pray government listens to us as we cannot continue with this act of disloyalty to the federal workers.”

The Forum further warned that if no meaningful response is received by Wednesday, May 28, protests will escalate and spread to all federal secretariats nationwide.

“All federal workers are to fully comply except those on essential duties.

“It will not be well with anyone who tries to sabotage or betray the struggle,” the Forum warned.

The statement was jointly signed by Comrade Andrew Emelieze (National Coordinator), Comrade Itoro Obong (National Secretary), and Comrade Razaq Yakubu Oseni (Publicity Secretary).

The Sun Nigeria