Electricity supply has been restored in Edo State after a five-day blackout, Daily Post reported on Saturday, following an agreement between Governor Monday Okpebholo and the Nigeria Labour Congress over recognition of the union’s caretaker committee.
The settlement provides for the state government to recognise the committee and work with labour leaders towards a substantive election. NLC President Joe Ajaero confirmed the agreement also covered the committee’s rights and privileges.
The agreement followed a closed-door meeting in Abuja convened by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume. Okpebholo, Ajaero, Labour Minister Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi and former Edo governor Adams Oshiomhole attended.
Daily Post put the restoration early on Saturday, October 24. Channels Television’s account of the settlement, based on a statement by the governor’s spokesperson Patrick Ebojele, said electricity was set to be restored and quoted Ajaero and Dingyadi promising its return.
The blackout followed two connected disputes. Electricity workers had a disagreement with BEDC Electricity Plc over pay and welfare, while the Edo government and the NLC were at odds over recognition of the state’s caretaker committee.
According to Daily Post, the BEDC chapter of the National Union of Electricity Employees began industrial action on Monday, October 19. It affected the company’s franchise states of Edo, Delta, Ondo and Ekiti. The outlet said the other three states had regained supply before Edo.
Dingyadi said a substantive NLC election in Edo would take place within three to six months.
Sources: Daily Post, Channels Television
Something we should clarify?
Contact the newsroom
