…the Anambra electricity protest is aimed at compelling First Power to improve electricity supply.
AWKA — The iNews Times | The planned Anambra electricity protest against First Power has taken a dramatic turn as the convener of the rally, Comrade Osita Obi, told the Anambra State Police Command that the only way to stop the demonstration scheduled for Saturday would be to arrest him.
The Anambra electricity protest 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 planned rally, assured that the protest would be peaceful and orderly.
In the letter sighted by reporters, Obi urged the authorities to hold him personally responsible in the event of any violent activity during the rally.
According to the convener, the Anambra electricity protest is aimed at compelling First Power to improve electricity supply, end estimated billing, provide prepaid meters for consumers, and address other related concerns.
Obi had earlier led members of the organising committee to the Anambra State Police Command to brief officers on the planned rally.
Speaking during the meeting, the 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 was already tense.
Obi, however, insisted that he had organised several rallies and protests in the state in the past without any of them turning violent, questioning why the planned rally was being treated differently.
“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,” he said.
Meanwhile, the police spokesperson 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 could disrupt public order.
The spokesperson, Tochukwu 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, March 9, 2026, held an hour-long meeting at the 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 read.
