The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has raised the alarm over what it described as retaliatory and illegal action of the Oyo State Government over N450 million debt to the company.
IBEDC, in a statement, said the state government, on Wednesday 9th February 2022 commenced the sealing of its offices within the state over some suddenly contrived debts labeled revenue bills and personal income without due notification, saying that the issue of revenue bills and personal income arising now is quite suspicious.
According to the company’s Chief Operating Officer, Engr. John Ayodele, the state government is owing IBEDC a whopping consumption outstanding of N450 mllion for over a period of three years, adding that the company, as part of efforts to get the outstanding debt paid, initiated several engagements through correspondences and physical meetings, but all these efforts yielded no result.
“No business in this country can run successfully with such a huge outstanding, the power we distribute to customers must be accounted for and paid for, we have no choice but to disconnect the Oyo State Secretariat, so it is worrisome to see that the government has sealed off our offices with this underhand and arm twisting tactics, instead of paying the debt owed. This was not done in good faith and it would have damaging effect on the business and service delivery to our customers.”
Ayodele, however, appealed to the State Governor, Engr.Seyi Makinde to look into the matter in the interest of all concerned as this would further exacerbate the power challenges and pressure on residents and commercial activities within the state.
“IBEDC engages in essential services to the public and the effect of this arm twisting tactics can at best be imagined if not quickly arrested.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com