Following the three months notice of threat to revoke license of operation by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) issued to over eight distribution companies which Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) is not excluded over an alleged breach of rules, the Obi of Owa Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor has applauded NERC for their action, describing BEDC as incompetent, saying that they are economic sabotage against the Federal Government. Obi Efeizomor made this known during a meeting with Ika Landlords/Landladies and stakeholders held in his Palace on Friday October 25, 2019 on the erratic power supply and noncompliance to issue of prepaid meters by BEDC.
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According to Obi Efeizomor, “Intelligent man fights with brain. The issue of Notice of Threat by the NERC to withdraw license of operation of the BEDC is commendable. It is now high time we support the dismissal of BEDC by supporting the action of NERC for the fact that BEDC is incompetent, a failure to Ika nation and has sabotaged President Muhammadu Buhari’s government. Sincerely BEDC has failed us; therefore I am finding BEDC guilty for inciting the people against Buhari’s government. The decision of BEDC that it is not yet the turn of Ika nation to be given prepaid meters is fallacy for we know it will not come to pass. The failures of BEDC are matters that have lingered for so long that we have to do something and wait no longer for the government to help us”, he concluded.
He equally commended the efforts made by Ika Landlords/Landladies in the fight against BEDC lapses on Ika people, advising that this time, actions should speak louder than words.
On his part, the Obi of Igbodo Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Barr. Ikechukwu Nkeobikwu Osedume who was also in the meeting lauded the steadfastness of the Ika Landlords/Landladies in the fight against BEDC.
In a communique which was issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the President and Secretary,Ika Landlords/Landladies Association, Vincent Arimokwu JP and Prince Augustine Obaigbena, Coordinator and General SecretaryCommittee for Defense of Human Right, Ika Chapter, Okwuokenye Charles and Barr. Ben Omotoshor, Chairman and General Secretary, Ika Traders Association, Sir F.N Ogbanzu and Pastor Monyem Onyekachukwu, Youth leader and General Secretary, National Youths Council of Nigeria, Ika Chapter, Comr. Izegede Christian and Eborka Ndidi respectively. The five Resolutions were reached and state as follow:
Firstly, that we strongly commend and support the action of the NERC for issuing notice of intention to cancel license issued to BEDC and other DISCO companies as a result of their flagrant breaches of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA), terms and conditions of their distribution license and the order, and therefore required BEDC to show cause in writing within 60 days from the date of the receipt of their notice as to why their license should not be cancelled in accordance with section 74 of EPSRA.
Secondly, and based on BEDC poor performance, we call on NERC to cancel or withdraw its license as it has deliberately refused to improve on its poor services especially on the refusal to provide prepaid meters to the customers.
Thirdly, BEDC makes its customers to pay for services not rendered which amounts to extortion, fraud and intimidation of her customers in Ika nation.
Fourthly, the action of BEDC amounts to sabotage to federal government efforts in trying to make power and energy available and affordable to its citizens.
And the fifth, we hope that NERC will cancel BEDC license to give opportunity to a more competent company who will provide better services to her customers.