By Aherhoke Okioma
Yenagoa
Bayelsa state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Civil Society Organisations, as well as student bodies, yesterday, in Yenagoa, lay siege to the Bayelsa
office of the Port Harcourt Distribution Company (PHDC) in protest over the increase in electricity tariff.
The protest caused traffic gridlock along the popular Mbaima-Yenagoa road, as they were joined by residents and motorist who applauded the action taken by the labour leaders against the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
Speaking with newsmen, the chairman of the state chapter of the NLC, Comrade John Bipre, said they were protesting against the arbitrary increase without consultation; the new 45% increase in electricity tariffs, especially without any significant improvement in service delivery.
He said the protest which is taking place simultaneously nationwide became necessary after all efforts to make NERC shelve the idea of increase failed.
Bipre said most consumers in the state were over-billed as they had no meter in accordance with the signed privatisation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of November 1, 2013, which stipulates that within
18 months’ gestation period, all consumers are to start using meter.