By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
The Network of Civil Society Organizations, Borno State (NECSOB), a coalition of both National and Indigenous organizations working to promote the wellbeing of people in the state has called on the federal government, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and Transmission Companies of Nigeria (TCN) to return electricity supply to Borno State which has been in total blackout for almost a month now.
NECSOB, which also serves as the voice of the voiceless, advocates for social justice, and the forerunners promoting accountability and transparency; called for the reversal of the new electricity tariff which resulted in the increase in electricity bills.
The State Chairman, Network of Civil Society Organizations (NECSOB), Ambassador Bulama Abiso stated this on Tuesday at a press conference with journalists held at NUJ Press Center Maiduguri.
He further appealed to the Borno State Government and all other relevant stakeholders to support the reversal of this anti people policy, considering the current recovery status of the state;
“We’re also appealing to the Federal Government, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Generation Companies (GENCO), Transmission Companies of Nigeria (TCN), the Borno State Government and all other relevant stakeholders to support the reversal of this anti people policy, considering the current recovery status of the state.
“We also observed with dismay how the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) distributes electricity bills for the months of February and March to households when there has been no power supply.
“This concern is affecting every household on the estimated billing system occasioned by abrupt disruption of free installation of the metering systems that ought to have been distributed but are now alleged to be sold at exorbitant prices.
“Consequently, we are requesting that YEDC resumes the free distribution and installation of the metering system to every household in Borno State. We’re equally calling on the YEDC to also enhance its distribution capacity to sufficiently meet the demands of the metropolis.
“This is because we have observed in recent times that the consequences associated with the lack of power supply in the state includes: loss and dysfunctional state of small businesses and livelihood ventures, water scarcity across the state and has led to untold hardship faced by people in the revered month of Ramadan;
“We however acknowledge the efforts of the His Excellency, the Executive Governor of the State Prof. Babagana Umara Zullum in intervening on the issue of restoring power in the state, But we wish to call on all concerned stakeholders to rally around His Excellency to bring this lingering matter to the definite end.
“Indeed, his comment has reawakened our hope and confidence that power will soon be restored back in the state,” Abiso said
He also said that the network has planned to embark on advocacy visits to all the electricity stakeholders in the state and north east to ensure people’s interest and wish are heard, even it will warranted the network mobilizing other states of the north east region to carry out a match protest to the state and National Assembly..
Abiso noted however that the network will never relent in its efforts and stand to ensure justice is done to the harrowing plight of Borno people especially at this period of Ramadan Fast couple with the harsh weather and poor electricity and water supply
He called on the media to rally round the network to fight for the rights and justice of the people in the society through their social responsibility role.
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