Emma Elekwa
Convener of the planned rally against First Power in Anambra State, Comrade Osita Obi has informed the state police command that the only way to stop the rally scheduled for Saturday was to take him into custody.
The rally is being organised under the auspices of the Electricity Consumers Rights Initiative and the Electricity Consumers Rights Network.
Obi who wrote to the governor of the state to inform him of the protest, assured him that the rally would be peaceful and orderly.
In the letter sighted by reporters, Obi urged concerned authorities to personally hold him responsible in the event of any violent activity during the rally.
According to the Convener, the protest is aimed at compelling First Power to improve electricity supply, stop estimated billing, provide prepaid meters for consumers, and address other related demands.
Obi had led other organising members to the state police command to brief officers about the planned rally.
Speaking during the meeting, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Ibrahim Ezekiel advised the organisers against proceeding with the rally.
He argued that the protest could be hijacked by hoodlums, noting that the security situation in the system is already tense.
Obi however, insisted that he had organised several rallies and protests in the state in the past and none had turned violent, questioning why the planned rally was being treated differently.
Hold me for any violence
“The police should hold me responsible for any outbreak of violence. Ndi Anambra are suffering under the operations of First Power’s excessive and arbitrary billing.
Meanwhile, Police spokesperson has urged the organisers to adopt constructive dialogue and engagement with the relevant authorities responsible for electricity regulation and distribution, rather than resorting to street protests that may disrupt public order.
Ikenga, in a statement underscored the importance of peaceful and lawful channels in addressing grievances and encouraged stakeholders to pursue institutional means of resolving the issues affecting residents.
“The Anambra State Police Command today, 9th March 2026, held an hour-long meeting at the Anambra State Police Command Headquarters in Awka with organisers of a planned protest over persistent electricity failure, alleged overestimated billing, and other related complaints tagged ‘Enough Is Enough.’
“During the discussions, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Ibrahim Ezekiel, acknowledged the concerns raised by the group regarding electricity supply and billing issues.
“The Anambra State Police Command reassures the public of its commitment to maintaining law and order while promoting peaceful engagement between citizens and relevant authorities,” the statement reads.
