Jos Electricity Distribution Plc, one of the power distribution companies in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has solicited the cooperation of Nigeria’s judiciary and the Directorate of State Security (DSS) to tackle energy crimes in its areas of operation.
The Managing Director of the company, Engr Abdu Bello Mohammed, last Thursday, paid a courtesy call to the Plateau State Chief Judge, Justice David Mann, the State Director of DSS, and Albert in their respective offices in Jos held discussions with them to support them to stem vandalism of power installation in their operational areas.
Engr Mohammed, who accentuated the dangers posed by the energy predators, told the Chief Judge that there was a need for the expeditious disposition of cases regarding vandalism and energy thefts brought before judges in the state.
“Vandalism leads to willful destruction of the company assets just as it also obliterates the economic and social life of the affected communities. It is, therefore, a crime against society. And so, we should collectively fight against it to stamp it out, hence, your maximum cooperation is required,” Engr Mohammed said as reported by the Daily Times.
Engr Mohammed explained that even though the energy sector has gone through a transformation in consonance with the privatisation policy of the federal government, some members of the public still view the company as Nigeria Electricity Power Authority (NEPA).
To change this perception, Engr Mohammed promised to organise workshops and seminars for judicial officers in the company’s franchise States to keep them abreast with the legal and regulatory framework of the reform power sector.
Responding, the Chief Judge of Plateau State, Justice David Mann said that the judiciary in the state has been doing its best in the area of dispensing justice, and disclosed that he has initiated some reforms that would expedite the dispensation of justice which would benefit the company.
He said: “Presently, there are several measures put in place to ensure that justice is expedited. We are in the process of digitising our operations here.
“We are establishing a small claims court. When designated across the state, it will take care of cases that have to do with N5, 000,000 claims. This will lead to the decongestion of the courts for more cases to be heard by the high courts. It will help ease doing business. I am sure that your organisation will be one of those that will benefit from this,” the Chief Judge said.
On his part, the Director of DSS, Albert Ogbole thanked the Managing Director for the visit and praised the electricity distribution firm for what he described as a stable power supply in the state.
He said the service would do all within its mandate to support the company in its quest to tackle the menace of vandalism and energy theft.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com