The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE),has threatened to embark on nationwide strike if concerned authorities cannot guarantee the safety and protection of its members in the country’s power sector.
Dominic Igwebike,the union’s Acting General Secretary,issued the threat against the backdrop of military officers attack on the staff of the Ikeja Electric over the disconnection of the latter for non-payment of bills.
He advised the union’s member in the power firm to stay out of the office till further notice because since they cannot work under brutality, intimidation and threat to life.
Condemning the act, Igwebike demanded the release of his abducted members as well undertaking from the management of the power firm, Federal Ministry of Power and the Defense Ministry to protect the Union’s members from any further traumatizing experience of this nature by calling the Military to order.
He demanded that all staff properties that were taken or destroyed should be replaced and those beaten should be taken to hospital for adequate medical treatment.
The statement reads:”The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) is shocked with the level of gangsterism and unprofessional behavior exhibited this morning by the Nigeria Military when they took over the Corporate Headquarters of Ikeja Electric and its Oshodi Business Unit.
“On resumption of duty this morning, some Military Personnel from NAF Ikeja Base invaded the Corporate Headquarters and Oshodi Business Unit Offices of the Company, beating up and molesting every staff sighted, destroying their personal effects such as phones, laptops and vehicles as well as doors, office equipment and gadgets.
“The action took place simultaneously at the Company’s Corporate Headquarters and Oshodi Business Unit Offices. They took away the Oshodi Business Unit’s Commercial Manager and a staff from Oshodi Business Unit and 13 drivers with their Pickup work vehicles from the Corporate Headquarters to their office where they were tortured and treated like criminals. They unleashed terror on our members.
“The Military carried out this brutal and barbaric action against our innocent members because they were disconnected by the Company for non-payment of their huge outstanding indebtedness.
“We denounce unequivocally this dastardly act from the Military and demand for immediate release of our adopted members, an undertaking from the IE Management, Federal Ministry of Power and the Defense Ministry to protect our members from any further traumatizing experience of this nature by calling the Military to order.
“Moreover, we demand that all staff properties that were taken or destroyed should be replaced and those beaten should be taken to hospital for adequate medical treatment.
“Consequently, our members are advised to stay out of the office till further notice because we cannot work under brutality, intimidation and threat to life until safety of life and properties are assured.Otherwise, we will have no choice than to withdraw our services nationwide until we are guaranteed of safety and protection at the workplace”.
