AWKA/Nigeria: Organisers of the planned protest against poor electricity supply in Anambra State have suspended the demonstration earlier scheduled for March 14 in Awka, citing mounting security concerns and pressure from authorities.
The decision was announced on Friday by the Coordinator of the Electricity Consumers Rights Network in Anambra, Mr. Osita Obi, during a press conference in Awka.
Obi, who addressed journalists alongside representatives of the electricity consumer community, Mr. Tony Erike and Mr. Nonso Okpara, said the organisers were compelled to shelve the protest following a series of engagements with security agencies and the state government.
According to him, consultations with the Anambra State Government, the Police Command and the Department of State Services (DSS) raised serious security concerns about the planned protest.
“The protest against the poor electricity supply in Anambra planned for March 14 in Awka will no longer be held as scheduled,” Obi said.
“This is in response to the concerns raised during our consultations, and we have decided to suspend the protest for now.”
He disclosed that members of the organising team had also come under intense pressure and threats over the planned action.
“I have received not less than 157 phone calls, and I was even threatened that I would be held responsible for whatever happens if anything goes wrong,” he added.
Despite the suspension, Obi expressed regret over the development and urged electricity consumers across the state not to abandon the demand for improved power supply and better service delivery.
He encouraged residents and electricity consumers to participate actively in a town hall meeting organised by the FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company scheduled for March 18.
Obi said the meeting would provide an opportunity for consumers to express their grievances and seek practical solutions to the persistent electricity challenges facing the state.
He also emphasised that sustained civic engagement and dialogue remained critical in addressing the challenges in the electricity sector and ensuring accountability from service providers.
