Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu has said that the House of Representatives will intervene in the recent increase in electricity tariffs by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC upon its resumption on April 23, 2024.
Speaking virtually on the special edition of “Ben Kalu’s Mandate”, a call-in radio programme of FLO FM, Umuahia, Abia State, on Monday, the lawmaker noted that the parliament would find a way to resolve the issue.
Recall that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission on April 3 an upward review of electricity tariff for consumers in Band A, who enjoy 20 hours of daily power supply by 240 per cent to N225/kilowatt hour from N68/KWh.
The hike generated public outcry, as many believed it would worsen the hardship in the country.
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A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Mr Levinus Nwabughiogu, quoted Kalu as saying that the parliament would continue to conduct its affairs with the interest of Nigerians in mind.
“It’s a general problem. While I was on my holidays, one of the things I was bothered with was a letter sent to me by the majority leader of the House on the need for us to intervene in a matter involving the University of Ibadan Teaching Hospital power supply. They were disconnected because of this hike and they don’t have the money to pay. We said it’s an essential service. Something should be done about it while we look at other details.
“I can assure you that when we resume, it’s one of the things we are going to look into. We will look at both sides of the coin to know a win-win approach to it because we cannot also suffocate the investors. We cannot allow Nigerians to suffer unduly. So, it is one of the things we will look at by the time we resume and we will find a way to solve it,” the statement quoted Kalu as saying.
On the possibility of a new constitution for Nigerians, Kalu said the onus was on the people to participate fully in the process, while the National Assembly will help amplify their voices.
“Some schools of thought expressed the view that they want a new constitution. They want us to drop the old one and take up a new one.
“Some elders known as The Patriots are also asking for a new constitution. But as you know, we are the people’s parliament. You are our bosses. Whatever the people decide for us to do when we have our public hearings and all these engagements, when we move around because we are going to go to every zone, most local government areas, or senatorial or geopolitical zones to engage, is what we will look at.
“If the people have a general consensus that this is what Nigerians want and the template of what they are asking for; what is wrong with this one that you want to change? How would the new one look like and what do you have in mind? We will be able to factor that in.”
According to the lawmaker, there is more awareness about the plan to amend the constitution.
“I like it when people call to discuss that. It shows there is awareness, which is very key. It’s only when you are aware that you can engage and make the right impact,” he said.
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