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The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has threatened to shut down power supply nationwide over an alleged assault of its members by personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Bauchi State.
The union’s Deputy President, Rilwanu Shehu, issued the threat on Monday during a peaceful protest in Bauchi over the alleged invasion of the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) operation office by NAF personnel.
Shehu alleged that the incident occurred on September 18 after the soldiers accused electricity workers of disconnecting NAF facilities. He said 10 workers were allegedly assaulted and detained during the incident and were now receiving treatment at home.
He urged the workers to remain calm and law-abiding, saying the union was engaging the police and Department of State Services (DSS) to resolve the matter.
Shehu, however, warned that the union would ground electricity operations across the country if action was not taken against the personnel allegedly involved in the assault.
According to him, the union has given the authorities a three-day ultimatum, from Monday, September 21, to Wednesday, September 25, to address its concerns or face a total shutdown of electricity supply.
“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,” he said.
The NAF authorities in Bauchi had yet to respond to the allegations as of the time of filing the report, despite messages sent to them for their reaction.
