By Awwal Umar Kontagora A human rights activist, Lanre Sadiq Ishaq, on Tuesday paid a solidarity visit to the Chairman of the Ni...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
A human rights activist, Lanre Sadiq Ishaq, on Tuesday paid a solidarity visit to the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Niger State chapter, Barr. Barau Isyaku, ahead of a planned protest against the Niger State Electricity Distribution Company (NEDC), formerly known as the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).
The meeting, held at the NBA chairman’s chambers, focused on mobilising support for the protest, which organisers say is aimed at addressing persistent electricity supply challenges and billing practices in the state.
Speaking during the visit, Comrade Sadiq, alongside representatives of Human Rights Radio and Capacity Media Trust, said security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force, had been formally notified of the planned demonstration.
According to him, the protest is driven by what he described as exploitative billing practices despite irregular power supply.
“Our demand is simple and clear: no constant electricity supply, no billing. Our people cannot continue to pay for darkness,” he said.
The activist accused the distribution company of disregarding customers and failing to maintain effective communication with the public.
“They take customers for granted and do not engage openly as a service provider. This is not a secret cult. The company must explain to the public the sudden disappearance of power supply in a state that generates electricity for Nigeria and even exports power outside the country,” he added.
He disclosed that civil society organisations and organised labour unions were fully prepared to participate in the protest if the company fails to address their concerns.
Among the key demands of the protesters are the immediate metering of all customers in line with the Federal Government’s directive under the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC); an end to estimated billing, which they described as exploitative; improved customer relations; and greater operational responsibility by NEDC/AEDC, including the provision of essential materials such as armoured cables and transformer oil without shifting the burden to communities.
The group also called for greater transparency in the allocation and distribution of electricity received from the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), including public disclosure of distribution figures.
Comrade Sadiq maintained that peaceful protest is a constitutional right and urged security agencies to provide adequate protection for demonstrators.
Capacity Media Trust, he said, would utilise radio and online platforms to announce meeting points and mobilise residents.
“We urge members of the public to support this lawful movement against exploitation and unjust billing, especially the continued use of analogue meters despite the Federal Government’s directive to meter all consumers. Enough is enough. No light, no pay,” he declared.
Responding, Barr. Isyaku welcomed the activist and pledged the NBA’s support for the proposed action.
“We are fully prepared to mobilise our members in support of this long-needed protest,” he said.
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