Power crisis: Fix electricity, not dissent, PDP to govt

The PDP Advocates for Peace and Justice (PAPAJ) has faulted a recent statement by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Youth Mobilisation, which urged youths to shun a planned protest over the persistent electricity crisis in the state.

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman/Convener, Dr Tom FredFish, and Secretary, Mr Saviour Uko, the group described the government’s position as troubling, diversionary and indicative of an administration unwilling to confront its core responsibility to citizens.

PAPAJ stressed that while it does not support protests that degenerate into violence or a breakdown of law and order, peaceful protest remains a constitutional right and a legitimate means for citizens to express dissatisfaction with government policies, failures or prolonged inaction.

According to the group, attempts to portray public frustration over the worsening power situation as a threat to peace are undemocratic and unacceptable, especially after more than two years of what it described as ineffective governance under the APC-led administration.

The group recalled that under the previous PDP administration, Akwa Ibom enjoyed a relatively stable electricity supply, with residents receiving up to 18 hours of power daily, a period popularly referred to as “Ikang Udom” during the tenure of former Governor Udom Emmanuel.

It lamented that the situation has since deteriorated, leaving residents with epileptic and unreliable power supply despite repeated assurances, power summits, committees and media engagements by the current government.

PAPAJ noted that the persistent blackout has had far-reaching consequences, crippling small businesses, undermining healthcare services, disrupting students’ studies and worsening the already harsh economic conditions faced by many households.

The group dismissed the state government’s reliance on “structural limitations” within the national power framework as an excuse, arguing that other states operating under the same constraints have adopted practical measures to improve electricity supply for their people.

It also described the government’s claims of taking “concrete steps” towards establishing a state-owned power company as largely aspirational, insisting that citizens deserve clear timelines, transparent processes and measurable outcomes rather than statements aimed at silencing public discontent.

PAPAJ further expressed concern over what it called a growing pattern of moral intimidation and political messaging in response to public criticism, instead of accountability and effective governance.

“Youths should not be lectured on peace while their future is held hostage by policy inertia and governance failure,” the group said.

The group called on the Akwa Ibom State Government to urgently address the electricity crisis with practical, time-bound solutions; respect citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful protest and civic engagement; stop diverting attention from governance failures to controlling public narratives; and engage residents honestly on issues affecting their livelihoods.

“Peace is not sustained by silence but by justice, responsiveness and good governance,” PAPAJ stated, adding that when government fails to deliver basic services, citizens have the right to speak peacefully and lawfully.

“Akwa Ibom people deserve light, not lies.”