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Imo workers shut down EEDC over increase in electricity tariff
Imo workers shut down EEDC over increase in electricity tariff
By Francesca Hangeior
The Imo state chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, on Monday shut down the office of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, over hike in electricity tariff.
Others affected by the picketing were the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, and Distribution Companies, DisCos.
Addressing newsmen in Owerri, the NLC Chairman, Comrade Uche Chigamezu Nwigwe, said they had to take action against the EEDC and others because of the untold pains the residents of the state are currently passing through as a result of the increase in electricity tariff.
According to Chigamezu, “For over one month now EEDC and regulatory bodies have thrown Imo residents especially workers into untold hardship with the exorbitant bill they bring that they did not consume. Our national Secretariat has given us directives to picket all the offices of NERC, Discos and EEDC in the state starting from today Monday.
“Since 3rd of April when the Federal Government increased Electricity tariff to over 200 percent, the distribution bodies have turned Imo workers to milking cow. For us, the increase in tariff is fraud and criminal because they are paying more now with no lights to show for it.”
Speaking also, the chairman Imo state chapter of TUC, Comrade Charles Amalu, was of the view that; “The consumption of Imo State is 120 megawatts but we regret that DisCos is providing between 12 and 15 megawatts. I want to ask this question, how can we have lights with the shortage of provision of megawatts?
“Today, in Imo State, only 10 percent of residents have prepaid meters while 90 percent have unestimated bills thrown to them. I want to say this, the World Bank has given support for the provision of prepaid meters but the regulatory bodies have decided to subject Nigerians to suffering. So, the essence of privatization has been defeated, this Discos is a known evil to Nigerians.”
By Gloria Ikibah
As part of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the House of Representatives is set to lead a historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024, in a bold effort to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.
The march, which begins at 8:00 AM, will see over 1,000 participants, including lawmakers and members of the public walk from the National Assembly to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. The event will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action against GBV and greater protection for vulnerable groups.
Speaking about the initiative, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., GCON, said, “This march and the activities that follow are not mere gestures but a reflection of our determination to confront gender-based violence head-on. We are committed to building a society where justice, equality, and safety prevail for all Nigerians.”
In a statement by the House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi on Saturday in Abuja, he said, “The 10th House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to systemic reforms, collaboration, and accountability in the fight against gender-based violence.
“In addition to the march, the House has outlined key activities in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023–2027) to sustain awareness and action throughout the campaign period.
“Sash Demonstration Ceremony – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
“Convergence of State Assembly Speakers – Monday, December 9, 2024. A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative measures for combating GBV nationwide.
“National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 – Tuesday, December 10, 2024. The summit will focus on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives led by the House of Representatives”.
Naijablitznews.com reports that this year’s 16 Days of Activism aims to galvanise nationwide efforts and inspire collective action to protect human rights, ensure justice, and create a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
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