PICKETTING: ORGANISED LABOUR TELLS FG TO PREPARE FOR SHOWDOWN

REPORTER: CHINAZO ILECHUKWU

The organised labour in Imo State has prevented electricity workers from accessing their offices today as part of efforts to protest the hike in electricity tariff.

Speaking to journalists in Owerri, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Imo State, Comrade Uche Nwigwe, lamented that the hike in tariff had worsened the condition of residents, especially workers in the area.

He said that despite epileptic power supply in the state, the people had continued to receive outrageous bills thereby worsening the hardship confronting the citizens.

He argued that about 90% of residents are on estimated billing system hence the non provision of prepaid meters had led to exploitation as the people continued to pay for power that they never consumed.

The Chairman Trade Union Congress, Mr. Charles Amalu, said the essence of privation of power had been defeated and neither the power generating nor distribution companies had lived up to expectations of Nigeria instead they had imposed more hardship.

The two labour leaders called on the Federal Government to reverse the tariff without further delay or prepare for a showdown.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU