Group sues Fashola, power company over breaches in south east

An Enugu-based human rights body, Civil Rights Realisation & Advancement Network (CRRAN) has taken Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), power minister Babatunde Fashola and one Chigozie Aniwo to court for alleged breach of  electricity consumers rights in the south East. The suit claims “flagrant disregard to the Provisions of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act […]

An Enugu-based human rights body, Civil Rights Realisation & Advancement Network (CRRAN) has taken Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), power minister Babatunde Fashola and one Chigozie Aniwo to court for alleged breach of  electricity consumers rights in the south East.

The suit claims “flagrant disregard to the Provisions of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act 2005, which provides adequate protection to consumers.”

The “reverse is the case in Southeast Nigeria as the EEDC operates in the Southeast as if there is no enabling law regulating its’ activities in the Power sector.”

CRAAN president Olu Omotayo alleged the electricity company cut off supply from Nkalagu substation to Isi Uzo council since June on accusation that some youths from the area in a protest beat up its staff and damaged ladders.

The youths had been protesting against outrageous bills that do not match their power consumption; flagrant disconnection of supply, among other excesses of the company.”

The substation supplies at least five council areas and parts of Ebonyi, Kogi and Benue.

Omotayo said the electricity demanded N3.5 million for the damaged ladders and office furniture and rebuffed entreaties by community leaders.

Enugu and Abia assemblies have passed a vote of no confidence on the company in april, condemning overbilling, erratic supply and failure to supply prepaid meters.

Omotayo said Fashola defended the “lawlessness” of the electricity company when he said Enugu state was indebted to it.