Total blackout is imminent in the entire southern part of the country, as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government and investors in the power sector to resolve issues relating to the working condition of workers of the former Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

The congress, after a meeting with the officials of the Nigeria Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), in Akure, Ondo State, asked the government to address the issues before the expiration of the ultimatum, in order to guarantee industrial peace and harmony in the power sector.

The meeting was attended by NLC leadership from the South-West, South-South, Kwara and Kogi states, to deliberate on issues, grievances and matters relating to the working condition of members, particularly those disengaged by the new owners.

According to a communique issued at the end of the meeting and read by the chairperson of NLC in Ondo State, Mrs Bosede Daramola, the meeting also frowned on the epileptic power supply in the country, lamenting the alleged exploitation of the masses by the buyers of the electricity distribution companies.

Apart from this, the workers said the ongoing actions of the new investors to de-unionise workers of the sector was unacceptable, while calling on the Federal Government to caution the investors.

"The meeting in session condemned in strong terms the victimisation of labour leaders and the failure of the Federal Government to call the investors in the power sector to order, in tandem with the tripartite agreement reached with the organised labour on January 13, 2014, so as to promote industrial harmony, which is key to our national productivity.

"The meeting in session called on the Federal Government and all the companies to, as a matter of national interest, address all the issues canvassed within seven days from the date of this communique, in order to guarantee industrial peace and harmony in the power sector, as the labour movement will resist any attempt to balkanise the movement by either individuals or groups in whatever disguise or name," the communique read.

The General Secretary of NUEE, Comrade Joe Ajero, said the investors in the power sector had been making life miserable for members of the union.

According to Ajero, who spoke through the Central Executive Committee member, Benson Okorodudu, the investors had been trying their best possible to ensure that the workers did not have a voice in the society.