The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) took action yesterday by shutting down offices of electricity distribution companies (DisCos) and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) nationwide.

This protest was sparked by the recent increase in electricity tariffs by NERC and the DisCos, with the unions demanding a complete reversal of the hike and the reclamation of public electricity assets.

During the protest at NERC headquarters in Abuja, workers displayed placards bearing messages such as “We are not a generator Republic” and “Let the poor breathe. Give us affordable and constant light,” indicating their frustration with the current state of the power sector.

NLC president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, criticized the privatization efforts as a failure and called for a reversal of the tariff increases. He emphasized the disproportionate impact on wage earners who cannot adjust their income to offset rising utility costs, unlike business owners.

Ajaero also highlighted the adverse effects on small and medium-sized enterprises, crucial to Nigeria’s informal economy, exacerbating the unemployment crisis.

The labour center reiterated its rejection of the recent tariff hike and urged the government to honor previous agreements, including a halt to further increases until specific conditions are met.

In response, NERC chairman, Sanusi Garba, acknowledged the peaceful nature of the protest and assured consideration of concerns regarding tariff affordability and energy source diversification.

Meanwhile, the NLC and TUC picketed the headquarters of Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED) in Plateau State, the offices of NERC and Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) in Ebonyi State, and the headquarters of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) in Ondo State.

Similar protests occurred in Bayelsa, Adamawa, Osun, Kebbi, and Ekiti States, demonstrating widespread discontent with the electricity tariff hike across the country.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has sworn in Alhaji Falalu Bawale as the state’s new Head of Service.

The Katsina Governor also swore in the immediate past Head of Service, Usman Isiyaku, as Special Adviser on Public Service Reforms and member of the State Executive Council.

Addressing the audience at the swearing-in ceremony after administering the oath of office and oath of allegiance to the appointees at the Katsina Government House Chamber, Governor Radda stated that both the new Head of Service and the Special Adviser were appointed on merit.

He called on all the permanent secretaries to join hands with the new head of service to enable them deliver for the progress of the state.

According to the Katsina Governor, the major challenge facing the incumbent administration was the issue of time, as the state government had a lot to cover.

Turning to the Special Adviser, Governor Radda described him as a committed and trustworthy personality, which prompted the state administration to retain him to enjoy more from his vast experience.

CREDIT: DAILY POST

Reportedly, on Monday, operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) allegedly raided a high court located in Ilaro, Ogun State, and apprehended two defendants.

The individuals in question, Alhaji Isiaka Fatai and Samuel Oyero, were involved in proceedings related to suit No HCP/IC/2023, titled “The State vs Awode Oladosu & 13 others,” presided over by Justice A.A. Shobayo. The case centered on allegations of arson brought forth by one Akeem Adigun (aka Socopao), implicating Alhaji Isiaka Fatai, Oyero, and twelve others.

Recall that Agosasa recently experienced turmoil, with significant property damage amounting to billions of naira and loss of life due to a chieftaincy dispute in the town.

In a statement from the legal representative of Alhaji Isiaka, Kehinde Bamiwola Esq, it was alleged that the DSS operatives employed force against the two individuals, with Alhaji Isiaka Fatai reportedly subjected to physical assault, including beatings and rough handling.

Confirming the incident, the Principal Registrar of the High Court and Sectional Head of High Court, Ilaro, Comrade Omololu Olusanya, expressed shock and condemned the disregard for the rule of law displayed by the operatives. He highlighted that despite the judge’s directive against making arrests within the court premises, the operatives proceeded with the arrest.

“They approached the judge before the court session began. The honorable judge advised them that if they wanted to make an arrest, it must not be done within the court premises,” he stated. “They could stay outside and do whatever they wanted, but they refused that advice and carried out the arrest within the premises.”