REBUTTAL TO NYCN CROSS RIVER STATE CHAPTER’S POSITION ON THE PROTEST AGAINST PHEDC
We, the concerned customers of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) in Cross River State, wish to respond to the statement made by the leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Cross River chapter regarding our peaceful protest on 16 January, 2025. The NYCN’s position, as stated in their press release, misrepresents the nature and intent of our action. Therefore, we clarify the following:
1. Representation of the Protest:
The NYCN has distanced itself from our protest, labeling the participants as “unknown persons.” It is important to state that the protest was organized by aggrieved customers of PHEDC across Cross River State led that fateful day by Engr. Emmanuel Eneji Nkpeh, Special Adviser on Power to Governor of Cross River, who represents individuals, families, and businesses who have endured years of poor electricity supply. We did not claim to act under the auspices of NYCN, nor did we seek their permission. This was a civic action by affected stakeholders, exercising their constitutional rights to demand accountability.
2. Legitimacy of Our Demands:
The NYCN’s statement fails to address the substantive issues raised in our 12-point demands, which reflect the daily struggles of Cross Riverians. These demands are as follows:
– Adequate Allocation: We demand the adequate allocation and utilization of power across all parts of Cross River State.
– Maintenance and Repairs: All failed distribution transformers within the state must be repaired or replaced.
– Provision of Meters: Designated electricity meters for Cross River State must be provided to ensure fair billing.
– Critical Infrastructure Repair: The 15MVA power transformer in the Amika injection substation must be repaired or replaced immediately.
– Removal of Line Isolators: Line isolators indiscriminately installed across Calabar metropolis must be removed to enhance power flow.
– Replacement of Faulty Equipment: Failed 11kV panels and circuit breakers in Amika and Flourmill injection substations must be promptly replaced.
– Transformer Accessories: Failed accessories such as low-voltage cables, upriser cables, feeder pillars, and cable lugs must be replaced.
– Transparency in Billing: All BANDs (billing categories) in the state must be publicly declared for accurate energy billing.
– Improved Allocation from the National Grid: Cross River State must receive improved allocation from the national grid.
– Better Infrastructure Maintenance: The approach to maintaining power infrastructure in Cross River State must be overhauled.
– Reinstatement of Disengaged Workers: All Cross Riverians unjustly disengaged from PHEDC must be reinstated.
– Representation on PHEDC Board: It must be clarified who represents Cross River State on the PHEDC board.
These demands represent the collective frustration of Cross Riverians and highlight the systemic failures in electricity distribution in the state. They are reasonable and aimed at improving service delivery, not at undermining any organization or agency.
3. Dialogue vs. Protest:
While dialogue is an ideal approach to resolving disputes, it must be accompanied by tangible action. Residents of Cross River State have engaged in years of dialogue with PHEDC, with no meaningful improvement in service delivery. The protest was a last resort, driven by frustration and the urgency to address the deplorable state of electricity supply. Dialogue without pressure often yields empty promises.
4. Accountability of PHEDC:
The NYCN acknowledges that PHEDC needs to “up their game,” yet fails to support any practical measures to hold the company accountable. Our protest is aimed precisely at achieving this accountability, as dialogue alone has proven insufficient. The NYCN’s reluctance to support such action raises questions about their alignment with the interests of Cross Riverians.
5. Public Interest vs. Organizational Ego:
The NYCN’s insistence on being “duly informed” before any action involving young people suggests a prioritization of organizational ego over public interest. This issue transcends any single organization; it affects every resident of Cross River State. Rather than seeking recognition, the NYCN should focus on collaborating with other stakeholders to address the root causes of the problem.
6. Protest as a Democratic Right:
Peaceful protest is a fundamental right in any democracy. Our action was lawful, peaceful, and aimed at drawing attention to an urgent crisis. Attempting to delegitimize this protest undermines the democratic values that organizations like the NYCN should uphold.
OUR POSITION:
We urge the leadership of the NYCN Cross River chapter led by Emmanuel Olayi to reconsider their stance and join us in advocating for improved electricity services in the state. The issues we raised are not just our problems but affect every citizen, including NYCN members. By supporting these 12-point demands, the NYCN will demonstrate its commitment to the welfare of Cross Riverians. We welcome constructive engagement from all stakeholders, including the NYCN, to ensure that PHEDC addresses these concerns promptly and effectively.
Signed:
Concerned Customers of PHEDC, Cross River State
18th January 2025
