The National Union of Electricity Employees in Bauchi State, Nigeria, has threatened to shut down power supply nationwide due to an alleged assault on its members by Nigerian Air Force personnel. The union's Deputy President, Rilwanu Shehu, made this statement during a peaceful demonstration in Bauchi on Monday. The demonstration was in response to the alleged invasion and assault of union members by NAF personnel.
According to Shehu, soldiers invaded the Jos Electricity Distribution Operation Office in Bauchi metropolis on September 18, accusing the electricity workers of disconnecting NAF facilities. The soldiers allegedly assaulted and detained 10 electricity workers, who are currently receiving treatment at home. The union is working with the police and Department of State Security Service to resolve the matter.
Shehu urged the workers to remain calm and law-abiding, while the union seeks a resolution to the issue. He stated that the union is giving the benefit of the doubt to the security operatives, the police, and DSS to intervene and resolve the matter amicably. The union is seeking action against the NAF personnel who assaulted their staff.
The National Union of Electricity Employees has issued a three-day ultimatum to the authorities, from September 21 to September 25, to address the matter or face a total blackout. If the authorities fail to take action, the union has threatened to ground the activities of the electricity industry nationwide.
The alleged assault on the electricity workers has raised concerns about their safety and security. The union is seeking protection for its members, who are essential to the functioning of the country's power supply. The incident has also highlighted the need for improved relations between security personnel and essential service workers.
The NAF management in Bauchi has not commented on the allegations, despite messages sent to them. The union's threat to shut down power supply nationwide could have significant implications for the country's economy and daily life. The government and security agencies are expected to take swift action to resolve the matter and prevent a nationwide blackout.
The incident is the latest in a series of concerns about the safety and security of essential service workers in Nigeria. The government and security agencies have been urged to take action to protect workers and prevent similar incidents in the future. The union's ultimatum is set to expire on September 25, and it remains to be seen how the authorities will respond.
Key points
- The National Union of Electricity Employees threatens to shut down power supply nationwide over alleged assault by soldiers.
- The union has issued a three-day ultimatum to the authorities to address the matter or face a total blackout.
- The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of essential service workers in Nigeria.
