Anambra electricity consumers plan peaceful protest over poor power supply

Soludo

By Vincent Ujumadu, Awka

Electricity consumers in Anambra State have announced plans for a statewide protest over the persistent power outage affecting the state.

The demonstration, organized by the Electricity Consumers Rights Initiative and Electricity Consumers Rights Network, is scheduled for March 14, starting from Ekwueme Square near the Government House.

Organizers have formally informed Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the state Police Command, and the Department of State Services (DSS) of their intentions.

In a letter to the governor, the convener, Comrade Osita Obi, explained that the protest aims to highlight the ongoing challenges faced by electricity consumers and press authorities to address them. Key demands include: Improved electricity supply across the state, Immediate installation of prepaid meters

Cessation of estimated billing, Suspension of the electricity band tariff regime and An end to alleged over-billing, exploitation, and extortion by Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) and First Power

Obi emphasized that the protest would be peaceful and orderly, assuring the government that it would not coincide with or disrupt the upcoming swearing-in ceremony marking Governor Soludo’s second term on March 17.

Meanwhile, the state Police Command urged the organizers to pursue constructive dialogue with electricity authorities instead of street protests. A meeting held on Monday at the Police Headquarters, Awka, included Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Ibrahim Ezekiel, who acknowledged the group’s concerns but stressed the importance of lawful channels to resolve grievances.

“The Anambra State Police Command reassures the public of its commitment to maintaining law and order while promoting peaceful engagement between citizens and relevant authorities,” said PPRO SP Tochukwu Ikenga.