Power blackout: Rivers communities drag PHEDC to assembly, demand compensation for damages, attacks

Oyigbo People’s Assembly (OPA) has dragged Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) to the Rivers State House of Assembly, demanding compensation for using security personnel to manhandle the residents and throwing Oyigbo communities into total blackout for months.

OPA’s allegation was contained in a petition against PHEDC dated July 30, 2021 and  signed by Prince Ejike Dike (Chairman), Light Nwankwo (PRO), Chinedu Nwaji, Princewill Nna (Secretary to HRM), Noble Reuben (OPA Secretary), Mrs. Edna Akaya (Oyigbo Women Leader) and Daniel Nwuche (NYCN Coordinator, Oyigbo chapter).

The group alleged that PHEDC went to Ayama and Obunku communities in Oyigbo Local Government Area, fell electric poles, damaged houses and put the lives of people at risk of electrocution.

It lamented that, while chiefs and elders were trying to calm down angry youths, the company accompanied by security agents, stormed the communities on July 29, to destroy more electric poles.

OPA alleged that “Despite efforts by the chiefs, stakeholders and opinion leaders to calm the youths as a result of the blackout, PHEDC on the 29th still came in company of about seven Hilux vans filled with fully armed police, DSS, NSCDC and soldiers to destroy more poles.

“But, they were resisted by the youths and men of the JTF stationed in Adam. This act goes further to prove their previous act of June 4. We must state here, sir, that by this unprovoked devilry act of PHEDC in our communities, nerves have been frayed and our people have been pushed to their limit by PHEDC and multinationals in Oyigbo LGA,” OPA said.

The group further alleged that, while federal and state governments are trying to address insecurity in the country, some corporate institutions in Oyigbo LGA are hell bent sabotaging their (governments) efforts.

“But, as law abiding citizens, we have collectively refrained ourselves from any commensurate reprisal action, while hinging our hope in the ability and capacity of the Rivers State House of Assembly to take appropriate action at ensuring that the perpetrators of this dastardly act are made to come before this House and explain,” it added.

The people presented their petition to the House of Assembly through the lawmaker representing Oyigbo constituency, Nwankwo Precious.

The petition was referred to the House Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions for investigation.

(Daily Sun)