PHCN workers begin warning strike

By Victor Ahiuma-Young
THE nation may be thrown into total darkness today as workers in the power sector hold a one-day warning strike over alleged government insincere approach to problems in power sector and unwillingness to effect the agreed payment of 50% salary increase.

The aggrieved workers had, yesterday, observed prayer sessions seeking God’s intervention in the problems of the sector and their welfare.

They are also protesting plans by President Goodluck Jonathan to appoint Professor Barth Nnaji as Minister or given any position in the electricity sector in spite of alleged stakeholders’ petition against him of being a party in the power sector crisis.

Directing the workers to shut down today for a day warning strike, umbrella body for workers in the sector; the  National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, in a statement by Comrade Reuben Orlu, Head of Information and Research, on behalf of General Secretary, said “Sequel to Government’s lack of interest in the welfare of members of staff of PHCN and fixation of the Power Sector Challenges, it becomes imperative therefore to express our displeasure on the level of insensitivity being expressed by the Nigerian state.

Accordingly, Tuesday, June 28, 2011 has been declared a ‘Work To Rule” day to enforce the Prayer Session already declared in PHCN in order to drive home the issues of Government insincere approach to Power Sector and unwillingness to effect the agreed payment of 50% salary increase which is being feared to have been tinkered with. Besides, it is sordid for Government not to consider the position of the workers who are major stakeholders in the Power Project.

Professor Barth Nnaji, whose individual negative interest conflicts with the yearnings of Nigerians in resolving the Power crisis must not be appointed a Minister or be given any responsible position in the Electricity Sector. It should be noted that Aba Power Ltd and Geometrics Ltd are owned by Professor Barth Nnaji and have been granted licenses to Generate, Transmit and Distribute Electricity for over six (6) years. But till date these companies have not been able to generate a Unit of Electricity.”

“During his tenure as Adviser to the President on Power, he did practically nothing to improve on the Power situation except scheming to buy over PHCN. As Adviser to the President on Power, he had irreconcilable difference with the workers and earned the unenviable mark of recording the highest number of industrial crisis in the Power Sector which never obtained before his appointment.

Government should realize the need not to appoint Professor Barth Nnaji to this critical sector if the confidence, commitment and support of the workers are veritable ingredients for sustainable development and growth of electricity in Nigeria. All members of staff are hereby directed to observe this programme as a warning signal to the main action if he is eventually appointed against wise counsel. This is the beginning of the struggle.

During yesterday prayers session throughout the country, workers said “The economic hawks have not reneged in the selfish bid to sell off our patrimony to their proxies.  They are presently jostling for positions which will put them at a vantage position for the manifestation of their evil plans.

You will recall that close to the end of June, the fifty percent (50%) salary increase agreed upon after the negotiation with the Hassan Sumonu Committee is either not being implemented or is being tinkered with. Consequently, we cannot but supplicate to God to destroy all their evil plans including their armoury.   Monday, June 27, 2011 is hereby set aside for general prayer to be observed by all members of staff in the various work locations.