CSO Fault FG’s Claim on Improved Power Generation

By Lucky Isibor

Civil Society Organization under the aegis of Edo Civil Society Organisations, EDOCSOs, Monday, faulted the 7100 megawatts electricity power generation claim of President Mohammed Buhari.

President, EDOCSOs, Comrade Omobude Agho expressed his reservation at the inauguration of the new executives in Benin City.

He said Nigerians needed not to be told if there was an increase in megawatts rather it should be reflected in constant power supply across the country.

“True, he did talk about improvement on the generation of electricity which has been dwindling in the past eight years between 3500 megawatts to 4000 megawatts. The president announced yesterday that we have reached 7100 megawatts.

“I clearly say to Nigerians that, that is a big lie. He does not need to tell us that the generation has increased. We will see it by the distributions. 

“As we speak, power distribution has not improved anywhere in this country. So, what is the yardstick? I want our government to be sincere with us. The civil society is so willing to hold government  accountable to the people”, he said.

He accused berated the federal government officials of colluding with electricity distribution companies to exploit electricity consumers under the guise of estimated billings and wondered why government has refused to revoke the licenses of the current players in the power sector as they lacked the prerequisites to manage it.

According to him “first and foremost is the refusal of the federal government to withdraw the licenses of the current players in the sector, a majority of then lack the prerequisites to manage any segment of it.

“The level of extortion and exploitation on customers is alarming while the government looks the other way.

“The issue of estimated billing, forceful collection of payment in exchange for darkness, ineptitude of management team and corruption in the sector in collusion with government officials is further killing the sector.

“A sincere and fair government will not watch its citizens exploited by private investors in the name of estimated bills.

He however called on the federal government to give the order that no customers should be issued bills if the distribution company fails to meter such customers.