Mixed reactions of anger and relief have trailed the suspension of the strike embarked upon by electricity workers under the aegis of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE).
The Quest Times reports that on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, electricity workers shut down power stations nationwide in protest of the directive by the TCN (Transmission Company of Nigeria) board that all Principal Managers in acting capacities, who are being promoted to Acting General Managers, must appear for a promotion interview, among other grievances.
Following the prompt intervention of Minister of Labour, Dr Chris Ngige, the NUEE in a statement on Wednesday night announced the suspension of the strike for a minimum of 2 weeks.
Excerpts from the statement reads, “The Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, has apprehended the strike embarked upon by the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) following an emergency meeting between the union, government, and other stakeholders, at the instance of the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige,”
In reaction to the shameful event, Nigerians on social media expressed relief over the suspension, while others railed at the electricity workers for plunging Nigerians into darkness over promotion examination issues. Some went as far as calling on the Department of State Service (DSS) to descend on the NUEE over what they described as economic sabotage.
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Others showed indifference, stating that strike or not, they barely see electricity.
Here are some reactions gathered by The Quest Times:
@koolkish Light restored. Eshey o!
@_Hermena These electricity guys threatened a strike but were not called for an emergency meeting until the deed was done. As usual, they were thought to be bluffing We seem to be in love with damage control in this country. Proactive measures are never taken to avert these kinds of things.
@yeencahy @IkejaElectric how far? Strike has been suspended o. Restore electricity biko
@YarKafanchan Ok now that you have suspended the strike, where is the electricity?
@CHINAEZURUM Err As it stands we actually cannot differentiate if una dey strike or not.
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@DemolaRewaju Totally irresponsible behaviour but exactly what happens where Govt is both the regulator and the manager of the system. If this had happened with the DIScos or GENcos which are privately owned, FG would step in as regulator-arbiter. But where Govt itself is the owner…wahala.
@isasquare Maybe PHCN should declare strike on behalf of ASUU. So education sector can be resolved this quickly. PS: I know they aren’t the same level of problems, but just saying.
@ShuaibuMGarba The NUEE have to be punished for putting the millions of Nigerians in total darkness for no fault of theirs, shutting down the national grid for your selfish interest is a serious office, the national assembly should consider making a law to sanction them