By our Correspondent in Kand & Kaduna
The Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) and Kaduna Electric have been embroiled in controversy over the dismissal of hundreds of staff, sparking outrage and concerns about the future of the power sector.
The move has been described as “barbaric” by a prominent Northern traditional ruler, who called for the reversal of the privatization of the power sector.
The layoffs, which have affected mostly junior staff, have been attributed to various reasons, including fraud, non-compliance with company policies, and performance issues. However, many have questioned the fairness and transparency of the process, pointing out that senior officers have been largely spared.
The Northern traditional ruler, Dr. Samaila Mera CON, currently Emir of Argungu, Kebbi State has condemned the sacks saying they are a step ‘backward’ for the power sector.
He urged the Federal Government to intervene and reverse the privatization of the power sector for the interest of reviving the collapses of the economy.
The former MD/CEO of KEDCO, Jamilu Gwamna, had previously recruited youths from various states in the North, including Gombe, Yobe, Bauchi, and Kano, as a strategic move to address unemployment.
However, the Northern star online gathered that the structure he built is now being dismantled, with many questioning the morality of the current approach.
The move has also raised concerns about the impact on the power sector, with many wondering if the focus on cost-cutting measures is coming at the expense of service delivery.
According to eyewitnesses says that customers have noted that the quality of service has deteriorated significantly in recent years.
Meanwhile, the management of KEDCO and Kaduna Electric have been unreachable for comment, despite efforts by Northern Star Online Newspapers to get their reaction to the controversy.
The sackings have also sparked tensions between management and unions, with the latter threatening to take action if the situation is not addressed. Even as another source revealed to Our reporter that union were being compromised with stipends and jobs for their family to silence them.
With regards to Kaduna, the Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has severally intervened in the matter, calling for calm and urging the parties to find a lasting resolution.
The power sector has been facing challenges for years, with many calling for ‘reform’ from FG, reversal of privatization and improved management.
However, the current approach has been widely criticized, with many questioning the priorities of the management teams.
The future of the power sector hangs in the balance, as stakeholders call for a more sustainable and equitable approach to managing the industry.
Recently, FG released 3.3 trillion to boost the sector power outage still hangs around with measures to deployed more metering devices in order to reduce the liabilities incured day-by-day.
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