Plans by electricity consumers in Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria, to stage a protest over prolonged power outages and rising electricity tariffs have been put on hold after security agencies warned that the demonstration could pose safety risks.
The protest, originally scheduled for Saturday, March 14, was organised by the Electricity Consumers Rights Network and spearheaded by consumer rights advocate Osita Obi.
Speaking to journalists on Friday in Awka, the state capital, Obi said the action had been suspended, rather than cancelled, after consultations with security agencies and the Anambra State Government.
According to him, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and the state government advised that the protest could be hijacked by criminal elements, particularly as the state prepares for the governor’s inauguration on March 17.
“Having listened to these people, we decided to suspend the protest, not cancel it,” Obi said, stressing that the movement would continue to advocate for improved electricity supply.
He disclosed that he had received more than 157 phone calls, including some containing threats, urging him to call off the demonstration. Obi also dismissed claims circulating on social media that he had been bribed to halt the protest.
“No one can bribe me,” he said.
Obi was joined at the briefing by co-conveners Tony Erike and Okpara Nonso, who said the group was mindful of the need to maintain peace in the state ahead of the inauguration ceremony.
The planned protest was organised by electricity consumers under the Electricity Consumers Rights Initiative and the Electricity Consumers Rights Network to draw attention to growing frustration among residents over erratic power supply and high estimated billing.
Many consumers say conditions have deteriorated despite the introduction of premium electricity tariffs under Nigeria’s Band A category, which is intended to guarantee longer hours of daily power supply.
The complaints also follow the recent transition of electricity distribution operations in the state to FirstPower, a subsidiary of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company.
Obi described the current electricity supply in the state as “useless,” saying that even the limited hours of power available remain unstable and unreliable.
He therefore urged residents to attend a town hall meeting scheduled by FirstPower on March 18, where electricity consumers will be able to question the company directly about the ongoing power situation.
While the street protest has been delayed, organisers say their campaign for reliable electricity and fair billing will continue through dialogue and public engagement with authorities and power distribution companies.