In a statement issued by spokesperson Emma Powerful, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have demanded that the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) ensures consistent power supply in the Southeast or step aside for capable entities to take charge.
The group has accused EEDC of deceitfully overcharging residents in the Southeast through unjustifiably high bills and an unreliable billing system.
IPOB has threatened to take action against EEDC by shutting down its operations in the Southeast if the electricity situation in the region is not rectified promptly.
Part of the statement reads: “In light of the persistent power shortages caused by Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) in the Southeast region, the global IPOB community under the leadership of Mazi Nnamdi KANU urges EEDC to deliver sufficient electricity services in the Southeast or allow more dependable companies to take over.”
“EEDC is extorting consumers with exorbitant electricity charges without actually providing the service. Instead of enabling consumers to use prepaid electricity meters, the company insists on issuing unjustified estimated bills.”
“In numerous Southeastern communities, EEDC imposes exorbitant bills amounting to hundreds of thousands of Naira. Whether or not the power is delivered, villages refusing to pay the inflated estimated bills face disconnection from the irregular power supply.”
“Communities are compelled to procure their own power transformers and cables, while also paying corrupt charges to EEDC for power connection. Subsequently, EEDC bills these communities for the electricity supplied.”
“EEDC removes faulty transformers from communities for repair but fails to return them, leaving some villages without transformers for extended periods, some up to a decade.”
IPOB is adamant that EEDC must cease defrauding the public and either leave the Southeast region or ensure adequate electricity provision to its residents.
“IPOB demands consistent power supply in the region by EEDC. If the inadequate electricity supply in the Southeast persists, IPOB will have no choice but to take immediate action and shut down EEDC offices in the region.”