A low angle shot of electric linemen working on pole
The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), Bauchi State chapter, has threatened to shut down electricity operations nationwide over the alleged assault and detention of 10 electricity workers by personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
Rilwanu Shehu, Deputy President of NUEE, issued the threat on Monday during a peaceful demonstration by electricity workers in Bauchi.
Shehu said the protest followed the alleged invasion of the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) operation office in Bauchi metropolis by NAF personnel on September 18.
According to him, the personnel accused the electricity workers of disconnecting power supply to NAF facilities before allegedly assaulting and detaining 10 workers.
He said the affected workers had since been released and were receiving treatment at home.
“We are scared, we are not safe and cannot continue with our activities. We give benefit of doubt to the security operatives, the police and DSS to intervene and resolve the matter amicably,” Shehu said.
The NUEE Deputy President said the union had given the authorities a three-day ultimatum, beginning Monday, September 21, to Wednesday, September 23, to address the alleged assault and take action against those responsible.
He warned that failure to resolve the matter could result in a shutdown of electricity operations.
“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 urged electricity workers to remain calm and law-abiding while the union engaged the police and Department of State Services (DSS) to resolve the matter.
He said the union was concerned about the safety of electricity workers carrying out their duties and would not allow the alleged assault to go unaddressed.
The union’s threat could disrupt electricity services if implemented, as workers across the power sector would be affected by the proposed industrial action.
The NAF management in Bauchi had yet to comment on the allegations as of the time of filing this report, despite messages sent to seek its response.
