The National Union of Electricity Employees has issued a two-week ultimatum to the management of the Egbin Power Plant in Ikorodu to rehabilitate the vandalised staff quarters or risk a shutdown of the plant, Punch reports.
The Secretary General of the union, Joseph Ajaero, stated this after viewing the extent of the damage done by hoodlums, who were allegedly sent to the quarters where former employees and retirees of the plant reside.
During a picketing of the company yesterday to mark the World Decent Work Day, he stated the maltreatment of workers in the country should not be condoned.
He said, “We will stop the evacuation of power from Egbin and there will be about 1,000 megawatts shortfall in power supply. Nigerians should hold the management of Sahara Energy responsible for the darkness in the land.”
Residents of the staff quarters had lamented that about 50 hoodlums invaded the premises last week Friday after cutting electricity supply to the buildings, removed the roofs, destroyed property, beat and injured occupants who stood in their way.
Pne of the affected residents, Mrs. Victoria Omonijo, stated the military officers stationed at the power plant turned a blind eye when the hoodlums were carrying out the nefarious act but beat the occupants when they tried to salvage their property.
They alleged that the hoodlums were led by the Head, Corporate Services for Egbin Power Plc, Victor Udom, and other administrative staff.
Ajaero stated that the management of the power plant claimed that they had bought the staff quarters, staff schools, staff clinic and the surrounding vacant land measuring about 600 acres.
He said, “It may interest the public to know that these properties are non-core assets that were not sold along with the power plant to Egbin Power Plant Plc.