Members of Tailors Association in Utako market on Monday stormed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) headquarters of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) to protest the lack of light in their market.
The protesters who arrived at the headquarters chanting solidarity songs carried placards bearing different inscriptions – from, “we need light” and “PHCN abeg give us light” to “prepaid meter is the way.”
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, the Chairman of the protesting tailors, Mr. Innocent Wealth, alleged that they don’t have light in the market and they need prepaid meters so they can only pay for what they use, however, the explanations from both the officials of their market and the PHCN are not satisfying.
“We need prepaid meters so that we can pay according to what we use. We don’t know what is going on underground between Power Holding Company and our executives.”
Mr Wealth noted that the lack of light has negatively impacted their operation and they are suffering.
“We need light to operate and most of our families are suffering day by day.”
He appealed to the NUJ to assist in publicizing their plight.
“When we approach the executive (market officials) they give us one story and when we approach PHCN they will give us another story over why we don’t have light and that is why we are here for you to help us publicized it so that Government will be aware of what we are going through in Utako market.”
Responding, the FCT, NUJ Chairman, Mr Emmanurl Ogbeche, thanked the protester for trusting in the abilities of the NUJ. He appealed to the protesters to shelve their planned protest to the PHCN office in Utako. He assured them that the NUJ will accede to their plea and also write to PHCN demanding explanations. He urged the protesters to return back by Wednesday for feedback.
“Thank you for trusting that we can take up your matter. I want to appeal, there is no need for you today to match to PHCN. Let us follow up on your protest. We will give publicity to what you have done and we will also write to PHCN officially. You can come back here on Wednesday to find out what we have done.
Responding to the appeal made by the FCT NUJ boss, Mr Wealth said they are happy with his response, however, some of their members were already at PHCN’s office, hence, they will all head to office but will be peaceful in their approach.
