Anambra Power Protest Suspended Over Security Concerns

A planned protest against irregular electricity supply in Anambra State has been suspended due to security concerns raised by authorities.

The demonstration, which was scheduled to take place on Saturday, was organised by the Electricity Consumers Rights Network to draw attention to the difficulties residents face with unstable power supply in the state.

The decision to suspend the protest was announced on Friday in Awka by the convener of the group, Osita Obi, while speaking with journalists. According to him, the group decided to put the protest on hold after discussions with security agencies and the state government.

Obi explained that the police, the Department of State Services and officials of the Anambra State Government raised concerns about the planned protest because of the upcoming second-term inauguration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, which is scheduled to take place on March 17.

The agencies warned that the demonstration could create a security risk and might be taken over by criminals.
He also revealed that he received more than 150 threatening phone calls from unknown individuals urging him to stop the planned protest.

Following these developments, the organisers decided to suspend the protest in order to avoid any action that could create tension or affect public safety in the state.

Obi clarified that the protest had only been suspended and not cancelled. According to him, the decision was taken after considering the advice of the security agencies and the possible risks involved.

He also rejected claims suggesting that the organisers had been influenced or pressured into abandoning the protest. He explained that the group acted out of concern for peace and stability in the state.

Instead of proceeding with the protest, Obi encouraged electricity consumers to participate in a town hall meeting scheduled for March 18. The meeting is being organised by FirstPower, an initiative supported by the Anambra State Government.

According to him, the meeting will give residents the opportunity to ask questions and seek explanations about the electricity situation in the state. Participants will be able to discuss the challenges affecting power supply and explore possible solutions with relevant authorities.

Despite the suspension of the protest, Obi expressed concern about the electricity situation in Anambra.

He said residents have continued to experience unstable and unreliable power supply, which has caused frustration among consumers across the state.