No negotiation with NLC until power is restored, says Kaduna government

The Kaduna government says electricity is yet to be restored in the state despite the strike called off by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). 

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) had disconnected power on Sunday in compliance with the five-day warning strike declared by the NLC in the state.

On Wednesday, the union suspended the strike following a request for negotiation by the federal government.

In a statement issued on Wednesday night, Muyiwa Adekeye, media adviser to the governor, said the government will not engage in negotiations with the NLC until power is restored.

“The Kaduna State Government is yet to see evidence that the NLC is backing off from its campaign of economic and social sabotage against the people of the State,” the statement reads.

“Electric power is yet to be restored, after it was shut down at dawn on Sunday, 16th May 2021, in brazen violation of the laws protecting essential services and infrastructure.

“That action removed any basis for state government officials to meet the NLC last Sunday. Denying our people electricity about 18 hours to the advertised commencement of their organised sabotage was akin to putting a gun on the government’s head. Government has a lawful duty not to indulge blackmail.

“Restoring electricity is vital to relieving some of the pain that needless acts of lawlessness have inflicted on our people. The unimpeded provision of essential services is vital to civilised order.

“Those who have disrupted it should promptly reverse themselves, not expect that it will be a matter for negotiation, much less viewed as a precondition. KDSG will not participate in such a negotiation or countenance one whilst our people are still being denied their right to electricity.”

As of the time of this report, TheCable confirmed that power is yet to be restored to the state.