Petition by Ilasamaja Residents in Mushin: A Categorical Rejection of Migration from Band B to Band A
The community of Ilasamaja, located in Mushin Local Government Area of Lagos State, recently submitted a petition to the CEO of Fatshimetrie, categorically rejecting the planned migration from Band B to Band A. The residents of the area have made it clear that they will resist this clandestine move with all legal means at their disposal.
In the petition also addressed to the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Lagos State House of Assembly and the State Commissioner of Police, the community leaders said: “We are representatives of all the Community Development Associations (CDAs) of Ilasamaja residents in Mushin Local Government Area of Lagos. We have credible information that there are malicious plans to forcibly migrate us from Band B to Band A. We reject this plan and will fight it with all means at our disposal. We have already informed our lawyers to be on alert if need be.
“We are a peace-loving community but we will not mistake our peaceful disposition for cowardice. We will react without hesitation if you put your hand in our mouth. This malicious and unwarranted plan to move us from one band to another must be abandoned if you do not want to see our dark side. We absolutely do not want to be moved to Band A. It was illegitimate enough that you placed us in Band B without consultation, but forcing us to Band A would clearly be a joke too far.
“Since you unfairly placed us in Band B, many residents of the community have discovered that you are deviously charging them under the Band A system. Despite complaints and protests, you have avidly refused to rectify or address their concerns. You cannot force us to swallow the evil and malevolent pills of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which have not only inflicted unbearable suffering and poverty on the citizens but continue to hurt our small and medium enterprises among others.
“You are aware that the residents of Ilasamaja community are mostly farmers, petty traders, low-paid workers, pensioners and others struggling to earn a living and meet their responsibilities. The last thing they need is an exploitative electricity tariff that will worsen their living conditions.”
This petition by residents of Ilasamaja in Mushin highlights the community’s deep desire to preserve their rights and resist any decision that could harm their financial stabilityThey clearly expressed their determination to defend their interests against any attempt at exploitation.