The Governor of Edo State,Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, has expressed worry over the low supply of electricity in the state, describing it as a threat to security.
Oshiomhole said this at a meeting with the management of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company at the Government House in Benin.
He explained that the high rate of irregular power supply as well as the increased billing in different areas of the state were responsible for protests by aggrieved customers.
The governor added, “There is a couple of concerns. Sometimes, we have seen some protests, some violent reactions and obstructions and stories about property being stolen and vandalised.
“And everyday, I am confronted with protests by various communities, who are in the dark; either their transformer is not working or it has broken down. There are bills people are paying even without light or they are being overcharged, based on estimates, as they have no meter.
Oshiomhole noted that the current state of power supply could get out of control if left unchecked.
He said, “Recently, the Commissioner of Police wrote to me that the police headquarters was in the dark; and that is a serious issue because in the police headquarters, we have cells where there are inmates. And of course, you have offices. Police work is 24 hour operation.
“Now, the transformer has broken down, and the police headquarters is in the dark. They have informed Benin Disco, and weeks, months, no solution. Now out of desperation, I have to, using tax payers’ money, provide a transformer for the police headquarters.
“From all our investigations, we believe that if the situation is not arrested, it could get out of control, and we will have ourselves in a vicious cycle.”
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, BEDC, Mrs. Funke Osibodu, said the firm had remained committed to the provision of electricity to different households and companies.
She added, “Since we took over, quite a number of locations, especially factories, are given close to 24 hours of power; and I think those can easily be verified.”
PUNCH NG
