From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the Forum for Good Governance in Nigeria (FGGN) have announced plans to protest against the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, for his insistence on increasing electricity tariffs despite the economic hardship faced by Nigerians.
The CSOs described the Minister’s position as “insensitive” and criticized his claim that the country would face a total blackout in the next three months if the tariff hike is not implemented. They deemed this statement “inhuman” given the current economic situation.
In a joint press statement, FGGN National Coordinator Comrade Abraham Douglas and Secretary Comrade Bala Galadima Ikara stated that the Minister should focus on restoring constant power supply to attract investors and boost the economy, rather than proposing a tariff hike during a period of economic hardship.
“The excuse the minister gave that if the Federal government continue to pay Electricity Subsidy for Nigerians, investors will not come is an illusionary and unacceptable,” the statement said.
The CSOs expressed support for the Senate Committee on Power, led by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, in their concerns over the suffering of Nigerians and joined the committee in rejecting the new tariff regime.
The statement further criticized the Ministry of Power, stating that it has failed to provide value to Nigerians or contribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. They highlighted the frequent national electricity grid collapses as evidence of the Ministry’s “cluelessness and embarrassing” performance.
The CSOs demanded the Minister’s resignation, citing his failure to deliver on Tinubu’s campaign promise and his inability to address the nation’s electricity challenges. They threatened frequent civil society mass actions if their demands are not met.
“Nigerians are sick and tired of his weakness and lack of capacity to deliver,” the statement concluded. “He should take the honourable path and resign.”