Date: 2012-07-24

Workers of the Power Holdings of Nigeria (PHCN) in Ilorin yesterday joined their counterparts in other parts of the country with a pledge not to return to work until the federal government withdrew soldiers from the headquarters of the company nationwide. 

A spokesperson of the group, who craved for anonymity, said, "the federal government has taken a wrong step by posting soldiers to PHCN premises across the federation". It would be recalled that soldiers and police were on Friday took over the headquarters of PHCN located at Maitama, Abuja, before workers resume for work.  The spokesman, who advised government to withdraw soldiers to allow for dialogue, further said the issue at stake did not warrant involvement of military men taking over their premises. Also reacting, a resident, Adio Wahid, described it as uncalled for, adding that the move was not in line with the code of ethics of democracy. "It is quite unfortunate that this is happening when the nation is facing serious security challenges", he said.