THAT POWER OUTAGE IN THE SENATE

On Tuesday 5th March, 2024, the generator that powers the temporary office used by the senate gave the distinguished senators a piece of what millions of Nigerians have been suffering for decades.

Many thought it was the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) formerly NEPA that decided to "play" with the senior lawmakers until the Chairman Senate Committee on Services Sunday Karimi cleared the air.

The recent heat as a result of the hot weather coupled with an epileptic power supply has made life almost unbearable for Nigerians in the last few months.

The high cost of fuel due to the removal of oil subsidy has compounded the situation. Millions can't afford fuel to power their generator sets hence, they're forced to stay in darkness and bear the vicious heat...plus mosquitoes bite.

But on Tuesday, the Senate got what looked like a taste of what the poor have been going through. The blackout stopped plenary proceedings for 30 minutes as Senators complained aloud.

Nigerians have been reacting to this development. An Abuja-based businessman Hassan Abdullahi said, "What is good for the goose is equally good for the gander. They now know how it feels to be in darkness with the kind of burning heat we are facing in this dry season."

Philip Osayo an ICT personnel in Ikeja said, "Just 30 minutes and they're worried. There are Nigerians who have not seen electricity for two weeks. For once what goes around eventually comes around. I hope this will help them to come up with legislation to fix the power problem."

Emeka Ukachukwu, a Lagos-based software analyst, says, "Sad that this could happen in the highest legislative arm of government in the land. That generator set didn't just go faulty at once. It must have been showing signs of fault over time but neglect on the part of those in charge of it caused this huge embarrassment.

"Do you blame the carefree person or persons in charge of the generator? That's how many of the legislators have been careless about their constituencies and those they claim to represent. It's so sad that we're experiencing this at the highest level.of government and governance."

Recall that Abia State has made a bold move to ensure a 24/7 power supply in about 9 Local Government Areas through the Geometric Power Plant project initiated about 30 years ago by former Minister for Science and Technology, Prof. Barth Nnaji.

Let's do the needful for life to be easy for all.