Electricity Tariff: Organised Labour May Resort to Self-help if …

NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba

TUC: Change we voted for is now darkness, tackles Fashola
N'Assembly declares tariff increase unpalatable
Plus Enugu protest report

Paul Obi and Chineme Okafor in Abuja, and Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu

In a nationwide protest, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) on Monday kicked against the federal government’s increase of electricity tariff that took effect from last week.

The protest, which commenced at the Labour House, Central Business District of Abuja, witnessed crowds from different trade unions across the country.

The labour leaders, carrying placards with signs such as: “No to Electricity Tariff Increase,” “Say no to Privatisation,” “Fight Corruption, Not Electricity Tariff Increase,” marched along the Shehu Shagari Way en route IBB Boulevard where the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) is located in Zone 4, Wuse District of Abuja metropolis.

At the AEDC office, the union leaders made their case, pressing home their opposition to the new electricity tariff increase.

Thereafter, they proceeded to the headquarters of the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) where they also demanded for the immediate reversal of the tariff.

Addressing members of the organised labour, NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, accused NERC of recklessness in the handling of the new electricity tariff.

He said: "The commission has colluded with the DISCO to exploit Nigerians. This is outrageous, this is the extended corruption that Mr President must fight headlong.

"Any Nigerian that has been given an estimated bill should not pay. People that have bought the PHCN we are aware some them are incompetent and cannot drive."

Wabba argued that "the consultation was only restricted to the families and cronies of those who bought the companies. We call on Mr President to quickly put on the board of this commission.

Leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and civil society organisations on Monday embarked on a peaceful protest march to the headquarters of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) describing the 45% increase in electricity tariff as outrageous and an exploitation of Nigerians in view of the economic downturn in the country.

The union leaders who were led by the chairman of NLC, Enugu chapter, Comrade Virginus Nwobodo had gathered at the Freedom Square near the State Secretariat. After chanting a number of solidarity songs, the protesters, marched to the office of EEDC which is just three kilometres away.

They were however monitored closely by a combined team of police and operatives of the Civil Defence who also prevented them from gaining entry into the facility.