Aggrieved over the continuous poor electricity supply in the Kogi state capital, Lokoja, a pressure group of youth have concluded arrangement to embark on massive protest against the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).
The group with agitation tagged: “AEDC Light Up Lokoja” disclosed that there had been silent negotiation with electricity company to provide 24 hour power supply to the state capital.
Despite concerted efforts and seeming sincerity of members of staff of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) in both their Lokoja and Abuja offices, the group expressed doubts over the genuineness of the discussions.
A member of the group, Yabagi Mohammed, who spoke with Journalists shortly after meeting with a member of staff of the company, recalled previous encounters and agreements reached at the time, which failed to yield anything positive.
According to him, leadership of the company think they can toy with sensibilities of the youths of Lokoja, saying this time, they have resolved to see the planned protest through, except they see the improvements that have been promised.
“We don’t believe in them. As we speak, our letters have been dispatched to the various authorities copied, and we are going ahead, unless we see in concrete terms that the (power) situation has improved.
“Let us make it clear here, we are not out to ferment trouble. Anyone who knows us knows we are a peace loving lot and our people have tolerated the ridiculous power supply and power rationing for too long in Lokoja. We will not take it any longer.”
He therefore called on fellow youths and well meaning people of Lokoja to come out en mass to support the movement and put an end to the lack of power supply, a situation that he said, has added to the untold hardship the people suffer.
The group, as part of its consultations with relevant stakeholders, paid a courtesy visit to the Paramount ruler of Lokoja, Alhaji (Dr) Kabir Maikarfi III to intimate him on their agitation and the need for Royal Blessings.
The Paramount Ruler, who empathized with the youths over the electricity situation, cautioned them against acts capable of breaking down law and order.
He called on them to be cautious and conduct themselves in an orderly manner.
