Nsukka Market Traders Protest Increased Electricity Levy

Traders in Agige Market in Nsukka in Enugu State have staged a protest against alleged increase in their monthly electricity bills.
They said the increase from N500 to N1000 electricity fee was too much in this recession period.
The protesters who carried placards called on authorities of the market to  reverse the increase as it was burdensome on them in this time of recession.
“We want peace in the market and not what will create problems.
“The market leadership should change its decision as traders will not be able to pay the new electricity fee”, said the protesters.
The traders accused the new chairman of Ogige Amalgamated Traders Association Nsukka (OMTAN), Mrs Ngozi Ozioko of pushing against the interest of the common traders in her bid to raise revenue for her administration.
Reacting, Ozioko described the protest as uncalled for and baseless insisting that patrons, matrons and delegates representing all lines in the market approved the increase.
She said, it was an act of sabotage by those who want to paint her administration black stressing that majority of the protesters were not traders but hired boys and girls.
The OMTAN chairman said since she assumed office in January 2017, there has been improvement in both electricity supply and security.
According to her, “Now the traders are happy as a result of an improvement in electricity supply compared to the past when the market will not have light for three to four months”.
However, while addressing the protesters, the chairman, Transition Committee of Nsukka Local Government Area, Prof Rose Onah, commended the protesters for the peaceful manner they carried out their protest and promised to look into their complaints with a view to finding a lasting solution.