By Abba – Eku Onyeka, Abuja
Gomo the III of Karmo Sabo, Abuja the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Umar Garni Sarkin Karmo has hailed the Federal Government’s (FG) decision to halt the increase effected in electricity tariff by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), saying that before the decision of the FG on the electricity meter tariff, those under his domain and environs had been complaining about the new development.
Though NERC was recently alleged to have effected an increase in electricity tariff, which attracted reactions from Nigerians, including Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) that threatened to go on strike against it, but NERC has since denied the said increase in the system.
The village head recently spoke to our correspondent in his palace in the ancient village, located in the Federal Capital City (FCC).
Still commending FG for the intervention, he informed that before that, the consumers were happy for the metre made available to them, but regretted that the increase was unbearable to them; a complaint he advised them to be patient with, hoping that there must be a way out. He however urged the government to ensure that they look into the matter with care for the interest of the governed.
Hailing the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for primary and junior secondary schools made available to them, he appealed for urgent provision of social amenities, such as senior secondary school, primary healthcare centre and good drinking water, which if done, according to him would make the thickly populated people of Karmo to enjoy dividend of democracy. He admitted that there was already a primary healthcare centre within the area, but was quick to say that it is not enough, considering the teaming population of Nigerians in his domain.
Decrying harsh economy the second wave of COVID – 19 has caused within his domain and environs and noting with concern that the popular Karmo daily market, known his domain with, that used to full to its brim with people and goods, has all of a sudden become scanty, due to the pandemic, he however advised those within and outside his domain to help in curtailing the spread of the disease by strictly abiding by the guidelines from the authority and the health sector.
The Gomo therefore appealed to the FCTA to assist them address the problems allegedly being caused in their farms by herders, which if done, according to him would enable them make ends meet as farmers, even as he said that herders have not been allowing them to enjoy the proceeds of their farms in the few and limited farm lands left for them by the government.