Tension is building in Anambra State ahead of a planned protest over persistent poor electricity supply and alleged overestimated billing, as the Police Command has urged organisers to embrace peaceful engagement with relevant authorities.

The protest, tagged “Enough Is Enough,” is being organised by the Electricity Consumers’ Network, led by activist, Comrade Osita Obi.

However, the Anambra State Police Command said it had held a meeting with the organisers in Awka on Monday to discuss the issues surrounding the planned demonstration.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga on Monday, the Command said the meeting lasted for about an hour and focused on the concerns raised by electricity consumers in the state.

According to the statement, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Ibrahim Ezekiel, acknowledged the complaints by residents over electricity failure and alleged overestimated billing.

Ezekiel, however, advised the organisers to adopt constructive dialogue with relevant authorities responsible for electricity regulation and distribution rather than resorting to protests that could disrupt public order.

“The Command emphasised the importance of peaceful and lawful channels in addressing grievances and encouraged stakeholders to pursue institutional means of resolving the issues affecting residents,” the statement said.

The police also reassured residents of the state of its commitment to maintaining law and order while promoting peaceful engagement between citizens and relevant authorities.