The Power Holding Company of Nigeria in Sokoto has made true its threat to cut power supply to residents in the state following the feud between its staff and state Governor, Aliyu Wamakko.
The Governor about two weeks ago was alleged to have assaulted some top PHCN staff. As at the time of filing this report, there was no electricity supply throughout the state.
Sources say they noticed the power cut on Friday afternoon after the Juma’at prayers.
The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) had issued the Governor a 48-hour ultimatum, to tender an open apology for allegedly assaulting PHCN staff over power failure in his village, an allegation the Governor denied.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Sani Umar, on Friday said the Governor owed nobody apology even as he said the matter had been referred to the appropriate authorities for the law to take its course.
Meanwhile, Inter Party Advisory Council of Nigeria, Sokoto chapter, has condemned the cutting of electricity supply by the union, saying it was lawless to have cut the state’s electricity supply.
Chairman of the group, Alhaji Ahmed Tangaza, described the union’s action as an“act of lawlessness and provocation.”
He said, “We have in-patients who are on life support machines in various health facilities in the state. Our pilgrims are being expected to use the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport for landing.
“Water supply is currently being hampered. PHCN should not be unmindful of the grave consequences of their actions to the essential services enumerated above.”
“Statutorily PHCN has a subsisting contract to supply un-interrupted electricity to the public. It therefore beats our imagination hollow to have observed that PHCN went ahead and cut electricity supply to the state on an un-substantiated allegation against the governor of Sokoto State.”
The group warned PHCN to restore electricity supply or face legal action, and urged President Goodluck Jonathan, the National Assembly and other prominent citizens to call the union to order.
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