The Young Nigerians Rights Organisation (YNRO) numbering over 200 have stormed Asaba Delta state capita in protest over the epileptic power supply by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).
The Convener, Mr Victor Ojei, said that the protest was long over due saying that today was set aside to sensitise the docile public about their right to electricity and freedom from exploitation by the power company.
Mr. Ojei lamented the high estimated billings, which often come with intimidation of the consumers, adding that enough is enough.
According to him, “We are hear to report to Mr President, the governor and the world of the poor and epileptic service delivery by the BEDC in Delta and in all the States under its jurisdiction.
“They give us epileptic electricity supply, exploit us using estimated bills, refused to give us prepaid meters, our transformers are not serviced by the company but by the customers.
“We are her to see the governor and to submit our petition because our people are suffering and have continued to remain in darkness.
“We have resolved that BEDC should go because they have failed the states and the people and our fear is that if Mr President renews their licence, we shall continue to suffer from poor service delivery,” he said.
The protesters were armed with various inscriptions like; BEDC must go; Delta Government, please come on board, rescue Deltans from BEDC exploitation.
Others are, “God said let there be light; Funke and BEDC said there must be darkness; Any disco that cannot supply light should go ; stop estates billings; release prepaid meters and stop poor services”
Also, Mr Kingsley Okpunor, a Councillor and member of the group, lamented the situation, saying that since the coming of BEDC, the rural communities have remained in darkness.
According to him, the rural communities have been forced to buy transformers and subjected to all forms of illegal collections and payments through estimated bills by the company.
“Our people are suffering in darkness, most small business are folding up for poor services, epileptic electricity supply and high estimated bills,” he said.
At Government House, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa, represented by Olorogun David Edevbie, Chief of Staff, Government House, said that government had received the protest letter and it would act on in it.
“My understanding is that a meeting was held on this with the Commissioner of Police on Monday and we were notified and these grievances were aired and it was agreed that it be put in writing and submitted to government.
“I have received the protest letter and we will look into it. We understand the grievances, the power supply is affecting all of us not just, so, we shall intervene,” Okowa said.
At the Company Office along Anwai Road, Asaba, Mrs Esther Okolie, BEDC Corporate Affairs Officer, who received the group, said their petition would be treated by the management of the company.
