A crucial stakeholders’ meeting convened by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to address the lingering issue of epileptic power supply in the state was on Tuesday stalled at the Government House, Benin.

The meeting, which brought together officials of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), stakeholders, and members of the civil rights group, “Organized Edo Against BEDC Oppressions,” was aimed at finding lasting solutions to the prolonged blackout and alleged exploitative practices by the distribution company.

Addressing journalists shortly after the meeting, the convener of the civil rights group, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbidi, disclosed that the group was fully represented and prepared for robust engagement.

He recalled that the governor, during a stopover at the group’s protest earlier in the week, had requested that they nominate delegates to participate in the stakeholders’ dialogue at the Government House.

Ogbidi described the meeting as timely and necessary, noting that it was expected to address what he termed the oppressive tendencies of BEDC against electricity consumers in Edo State.

However, he explained that proceedings were cut short due to an urgent engagement involving the governor, leading to the postponement of the meeting to a later date.

Despite the setback, Ogbidi expressed confidence in Governor Okpebholo’s capacity to intervene decisively in what he described as the prolonged marginalisation of electricity consumers by BEDC.

Also speaking, Comrade Kelly Osunbor faulted the power distribution company for what he called its failure to take responsibility for operational inefficiencies.

According to him, residents are often compelled to repair faulty transformers, purchase fuses, and shoulder other related costs, while still being subjected to estimated billing and poor service delivery.

In her remarks, Comrade Bevy Efe urged the state government to ensure transparency in its handling of the matter, stressing that residents are keenly watching the outcome of the engagement.

Similarly, Kola Edokpayi expressed optimism that the rescheduled meeting between the governor, BEDC officials, and other stakeholders would produce tangible results capable of addressing the persistent power challenges confronting the state.

(Nigerian Tribune)

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