Workers in the nation’s power sector have stated their intention to shut down electricity supply if the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) goes on a nationwide strike in protest of the country’s protracted strike in the educational sector.
Under the aegis of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), the nation’s power workers bemoaned the government’s indifference to the continued closure of schools and expressed concern about Nigeria’s progress toward nationhood and the future of the country’s youths.
In a statement, NUEE General Secretary Joe Ajaero stated that they were deeply saddened and appalled by the avoidable impasse between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Unions in the Tertiary Academic Sector (Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Education, and Research Institutes).
The statement observed that the months-long stalemate, with students staying at home, was undoubtedly exposing the students to all forms of negative vices detrimental to nation building.
As a result, NUEE has urged the Federal Government to address all issues concerning non-implementation of agreements and others affecting Nigeria’s tertiary institutions in order to reopen schools as soon as possible for the sake of the country’s future.
According to the statement, a nation committed to human capital development does not play with the education, training, and manpower needs of its youth population.
“The National Union of Electricity Employees, therefore, wishes to state that if the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) nationwide protest and the current impasse between Unions in Tertiary Institutions and government is not conclusively addressed, we shall be forced to stay at home with our children,” the statement said.
