Electricity Union Vow To Shutdown Electricity Supply Nationwide

The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) in Bauchi State, has threatened to shutdown power supply over alleged assault of its members by personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

Although the assault took place in Bauchi State, NUEE, is trying to vent its anger on the whole country.

The deputy president of the association, Rilwanu Shehu, stated this during a peaceful demonstration staged by the workers on Monday in Bauchi.

He said that the demonstration was against the alleged invasion and assault of its members by the NAF personnel.

Shehu said that some soldiers invaded the Jos Electricity Distribution (JEDC) Operation Office in Bauchi metropolis on Sept. 18, and accused the electricity workers of disconnecting NAF facilities.

He said that the soldiers assaulted and detained 10 electricity workers, adding that the victims were currently receiving treatment at homes.

The deputy president urged the workers to remain calm and law-abiding, as the  union was working with the police and Department of the State Security Service (DSS), to resolve the matter.

“We are scared, we are not safe and cannot continue with our activities. We give benefits of doubt to the security operatives, the police and DSS to intervene and resolve the matter amicably.

“We will ground the activities of the electricity industry in the entire nation, if nothing is done to the NAF men, who assaulted our staff,” he said.

Shehu said that the association had issued a three-day ultimatum to the authorities from Monday Sept. 21 to Wednesday Sept. 25, to address the matter or face total blackout.

However, the NAF management in Bauchi are yet to comment on the allegations in spite of messages sent to them.