Police Urge Dialogue as Anambra Residents Plan Protest Over Prolonged Power Outage
The Anambra State Police Command has appealed to residents planning a protest against electricity issues to choose dialogue instead of street actions.
This could disrupt public order. The call follows plans for a March 14 demonstration against power outages and billing by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC). Police understand the frustrations but stress peaceful resolutions.
The protest, organized by the Electricity Consumers Rights Initiative and Network, is called “Enough Is Enough.” It starts at Ekwueme Square in Awka. Organizers notified Governor Chukwuma Soludo, police, and DSS. Convener Osita Obi listed demands like better supply, prepaid meters, no estimated billing, end to tariff bands, and stopping over-billing by EEDC and First Power.
Osita Obi has assured that the protest will be conducted peacefully and will not interfere with Governor Soludo’s second-term swearing-in ceremony scheduled for March 17. Despite this, police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga highlighted in a statement the importance of resolving issues through institutional means. He pointed out that police officers, as residents of Anambra, are equally impacted by the power challenges, fostering a shared understanding of the situation.
In a recent meeting with the protesters on Monday, Deputy Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Ezekiel acknowledged the concerns regarding electricity supply and billing. The discussion aimed to promote understanding and explore non-disruptive solutions. Ikenga reiterated the command’s dedication to upholding peace and ensuring public safety, urging all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue over actions that could escalate tensions.
This situation reflects widespread discontent in Anambra over the reliability of electricity services, mirroring national challenges in power distribution. The police have committed to safeguarding order while facilitating communication between citizens and the relevant authorities to find lasting resolutions. As the protest date approaches, the focus remains on balancing the right to express grievances with the need for stability in the state.
