Amidst mounting frustration over erratic power supply in the Southeast region, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a stern ultimatum to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), threatening to shutter its operations.
In a statement released on Saturday by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the group accused EEDC of exploitation and deceit, alleging that residents were being subjected to exorbitant bills for unreliable electricity services.
Expressing discontent with the current state of affairs, the statement declared, “IPOB demands consistent electricity supply from EEDC. If the dismal power situation persists, IPOB will not hesitate to close down EEDC offices across the Southeast.”
Highlighting grievances against EEDC’s practices, the statement condemned the imposition of inflated bills on consumers without commensurate power provision. It further criticized the company for its failure to deploy prepaid meters, exacerbating the burden on residents already grappling with economic challenges.
The group alleged that EEDC’s mismanagement extended to neglecting to restore faulty transformers in various communities, hindering local businesses and industrial activities. Moreover, IPOB linked EEDC’s staggering debt to the Transmissions Company of Nigeria (TCN), amounting to over N12 billion, to the persistent electricity crisis in the region.
Challenging the efficacy of EEDC’s operations, the statement called for transparency regarding the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Anambra State Government and EEDC, purportedly aimed at ensuring uninterrupted power supply in the state.
In light of these grievances, IPOB emphasized the need for accountability and urged authorities to address the systemic issues plaguing the region’s energy sector. As frustrations escalate, the standoff between IPOB and EEDC underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions to address Nigeria’s enduring power challenges.
