The current impasse between the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) and Members of Ika Landlords/Landladies Association, led by Mr. Vincent Arimokwu, is a reality that all, particularly the management of BEDC should worry about.
Aside from the declaration by the group of their willingness to drag  Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to court in November 2023, after the expiration of the official notice given to the company and the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), why the Newspaper is particularly disturbed is the awareness that if unresolved, leading to litigation, the corporate reputation of the Distribution Company will come under serious scrutiny.
Again, Ika Weekly Newspaper is of the view that if it degenerates to that level, such a development will neither portray the electricity company in good light nor project it as a responsible organization.
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In the Newspaper’s opinion, the demands made by the association are neither wrong nor out of order.
As customers, it is within their right to ask BEDC to stop irregular electricity supply, stop illegal disconnection of consumers and carting away of their cables which the company did not provide, stop requesting for electricity consumers to buy or replace damaged electrical equipment, and to stop requesting for electricity consumers to buy electric poles, wires, hire ladders, pay for transportation and labour which are supposed to be their responsibility.
Also, worth condemning by the Newspaper is the BEDC arrogance as revealed by the Landlords’ Association that ‘even after receiving the notice from the association, they (BEDC) continued as if nothing could happen.
This is not right by any standard.
While the Newspaper therefore, calls on BEDC management to stop further disconnection of consumers and find lasting solution to the present challenges, it on the other hands commend the civility so far demonstrated by Landlords, particularly, their revelation that for a longtime, the association has been toeing the part of dialogue, but unfortunately, it seems like the company is not ready to change.
Ika Weekly Newspaper also urges the landlords to resist every temptation that has to do with self-help as there are rules governing BEDC and consumers. Such rules and avenues should at all times be explored by both parties.
It is time to seek a solution that will render further conflict unnecessary.