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By Bimbola Oyesola
Despite Tuesday’s intervention by the Minister of State for Power and the management of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), electricity workers yesterday insisted that it was going ahead with its planned strike action targeted at paralysing all the power sector from today (Wednesday).
Reacting to the letter from the Federal Ministry of Power, the workers under the umbrella of the National Union of Electricity Employees ( NUEE), in a letter to the Minister of State signed by itsGeneral Secretary, Joe Ajaero said it was disheartening that an agreement reached with the union as a result of the intervention of the Minister almost three (3) years down the line has not been implemented.
The letter read, “It would be recalled that you were part of the signatories to the Agreement signed in December, 2019 with the Union…
Unfortunately, the issues raised and not addressed have relapsed/metamorphosed as part of the causes or the Industrial unrest in the sector.”
On the stigmatisation of staff from the office of the Head of Service of the Federation; from working in other areas in the Power Sector, the union said it was not clear if the Minister was speaking for the Head of Service after memos addressed to her Office several months ago have gone without any acknowledgment.
The union said based on the above, it “may be constrained to continue with this action by Wednesday 17th August, 2022 with total withdrawal of Services.”
Ajaero also said that on the issues affecting violation/contravention of TCN’s Conditions of Service by TCN Board, the management has only written by proxy for the Board.
He however explained that the union is still open to decisive discussions with relevant actors; with a view to proffering solution to the issues raised and averting the total collapse of the sector.
For its part, the Ministry in its response letter to NUEE signed by Goddy Jedy-Agba, on behalf of the Minister of State for Power has stated that the Ministry of Power has taken cognisance of the union’s complaints and was committed to proffering solutions that will be acceptable to all parties concerned. He appealed to the union to allow government two weeks from the date of their letter to address the issues and come up with proposals towards acceptable resolution of all issues.”
In the same vein, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, in a letter to the NUEE General Secretary said the Management has suspended the proposed interview for those on acting appointment of Assistant General Manager and General Manager while it plans to conclude discussion with the Board.
The letter read, “The Management has contacted the Minister of Power for his further actions. In view of this development we appeal to your Union to stay action.”
NUEE had on Monday put its members on red alert to commence mobilisation for a total shutdown of the power sector from today based on discordant issues in the sector.
