The action of Governor Wamakko Magatakada against some staff of the Power Holding company of Nigeria, PHCN has since taken a different turn after the Electricity workers in the North-West Zone decided to issue a seven-day ultimatum to the Governor to redress his action through a public apology to the officials he allegedly flogged while on duty.
Wamakko has been accused of whipping Engr. Moses Osigwe, Business Manager of Gwiwa Business Unit of PHCN, and his fellow staff, Mallam Isyaku Daura, Officer II (Electrical) and Nuruddeen Mohammed, Staff l(Lines). The Governor was said to have taken the action because he believed they manipulated the failure of two SMVA transformers that supply electricity to his home, Wamakko.
The electricity workers had written a letter entitled “Demand for Unreserved Apology and Payment of Compensation for Assault on Our Members” The letter which was signed by the Assistant General Secretary of the electricity workers’ union in the zone, Mr. Moses Amedu, had accused the Governor of beating their members blue and black, and at the same time ordering the officers attached to him to complete the torture.
The letter, with reference NUEE/AGS/NW/KD/201 2/120, dated October 31, 2012, said: “We are shocked beyond imagination to learn that on October 20, you invited the Business Manager and two Officers to your house, where you subjected them to inhuman treatment by personally whipping them mercilessly and then ordered their continuous flogging by the Mobile Policemen attached to your office.
“As the Chief Security Officer of the state, whom we are supposed to rely on for the security of the staff and equipment of PHCN in Sokoto State, you have betrayed our hope by this singular and unwarranted act.
“This action can be best described as a rampage and uncontrolled anger. Therefore, except you renew our hope and confidence and tender an unreserved public apology to the staff you have dehumanised, we can no longer guarantee the continuous service of our members in Sokoto State.
“You should also be prepared to pay compensation that will be sent to your office soon. Accordingly, one week is sufficient to do this.”
Unfortunately, the one-week ultimatum specified by the electricity workers had passed yesterday with no apology and compensation from Wamakko. This has aggravated the anger of the union, directing its members within the state to embark on an indefinite strike should Wamakko continues to remain silent and adamant on the matter.
The union said: “We regret the inconveniences this unfortunate incident and subsequent action of the union may cause the good citizens of Sokoto State.”
They had reiterated that the Governor should be held responsible for the action they are about to take in Sokoto state.
Recall that Dailypost had written an editorial on this matter. If you missed it read here…
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