Protest Against Inadequate Power Supply in Anambra Called Off

The event initially set to protest inadequate power supply in Anambra State has been suspended indefinitely by its organizers.

Osita Obi, who leads the Electricity Consumers Rights Network in Anambra, disclosed this decision during a press conference held in Awka on Friday.

He was accompanied by Tony Erike and Nonso Okpara, representatives of the consumer community.

Mr. Obi explained that the choice to halt the protest was prompted by considerable pressure and threats directed at him and other organizing members. "I have received as many as 157 calls and have been threatened that I would be held liable for any mishap should the protest proceed," he stated.

The protest was scheduled to occur on March 14 in Awka, but after discussions with the Anambra State Government, the police, and the State Security Service, concerns about security were raised, leaving no option but to suspend the action.

Mr. Obi mentioned, "The planned protest against the inadequate electricity supply scheduled for 14 March in Awka has been called off. This decision responds to the security concerns expressed by state authorities."

He expressed regret over the necessity of postponing the protest and encouraged electricity consumers to continue advocating for adequate service delivery. Furthermore, he urged them to participate in a town hall meeting organized by FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company on March 18.

PREMIUM TIMES had previously reported that the police in Anambra urged the protest organizers to seek dialogue with FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company rather than proceeding with their plans for demonstration.

In response to the public's grievances, FirstPower has acknowledged the challenges surrounding power supply, attributing them to factors outside their control. They stated that a drop in national electricity generation automatically reduces the power output for all distribution companies in Nigeria.

"Nigeria has been facing a significant drop in electricity generation due to a critical shortage of natural gas supplied to thermal power plants, which are crucial for maintaining the national grid's operations. This situation was exacerbated by an explosion on the Escravos-Lagos gas pipeline last December, which disrupted several gas-powered plants' operations," explained Izunna Okafor, FirstPower's head of communications, during a statement in Awka last Thursday.

(NAN)