Electricity tariff: Reps won’t allow Nigerians to suffer – Deputy Speaker

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has stated that when the House of Representatives reconvenes on April 23, 2024, it will take action over the recent rise in electricity rates by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.

Remember that civil society organisations, well-known citizens, and opposition parties have all strongly denounced the development that has resulted in Band A consumers paying up to a 300 percent increase.

It will be remembered that when the electrical authorities announced the development, there was an immediate and intense uproar, raising concerns that it would worsen the nation's economic situation.

Virtually speaking on Monday's special episode of "Ben Kalu's Mandate," a call-in radio show on FLO FM in Umuahia, Abia State, the congressman stated that the parliament will find a way to resolve the issue.

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According to a statement sent by the Chief Press Secretary to Deputy Speaker Mr Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu stated that the parliament would keep acting in the best interests of Nigerians.

It's a widespread issue. One of the things that troubled me during my vacation was a letter that the majority leader of the House gave me, urging us to get involved in a situation affecting the electricity supply of the University of Ibadan Teaching Hospital. This spike caused them to become disconnected, and they lack the funds to make the necessary payments. We stated that the service is vital. It is imperative that we take action regarding it while we examine other aspects.
"I promise that it will be one of the topics we investigate when we get back together. We will consider all sides of the issue in order to determine a win-win solution because we cannot suffocate the investors either. We cannot permit unnecessary suffering for Nigerians. Consequently, it is something we will examine when we return and we will figure out a solution," Kalu was cited in the release as adding.

Regarding the potential for Nigerians to adopt a new constitution, Kalu stated that the National Assembly will assist in amplifying the voices of the people, but it is the people's responsibility to actively engage in the process.

Certain philosophical systems have stated that they support a new constitution. They desire that we give up the previous one and adopt a new one. A new constitution is also being requested by a group of elders known as The Patriots. We are the people's parliament, though, as you are aware.

You are in charge of us. We will consider what the people decide upon during our public hearings and engagements, as well as when we travel around since we plan to engage in most local government areas, senatorial districts, and geopolitical zones.

Why do you want to change this one if there is a general consensus among the populace that this is what Nigerians want and the model of what they are requesting? How would it look, and what are your plans for the new one? That will be something we can account for.

"That you are aware of the efforts to change the constitution makes me glad. When someone calls to discuss it, I like it. It demonstrates alertness, which is really important. You cannot participate and have the appropriate influence unless you are aware. I am therefore grateful to you. The moment is here for you to get involved in this, he stated.