Politics, Power
MR Peter Averik, Chairman, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has expressed dismay over the delay by Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) to restore power supply to Kafanchan, the local government headquarters.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kafanchan town had been in darkness since Jan. 18, when KEDCO shut down its operations in the area, following a violent protest over the epileptic power supply.
The protesters had taken to the streets, lamenting the “outrageous bills” from KEDCO in recent times, without enjoying commensurate value in supply.
A protester was shot in the back and rushed to the hospital, when security operatives fired shots to disperse the angry mob, as the protest turned violent, resulting in the torching of a car as well as several motorcycles at the KEDCO office.
Thereafter, KEDCO shut down its operations in the area indefinitely for the safety of its personnel.
Speaking on Wednesday at a stakeholders meeting convened by Community Development Charter (CDC) champions, Averik said KEDCO had failed to restore power despite concerted efforts and pleas from the community and political leaders in the area.
According to him, he had led a high-powered delegation to KEDCO’s headquarters in Kaduna to make peace with the company on the matter, and wondered why the company had continued to delay restoring the service to the area.
The chairman lamented the adverse impact of the lingering electricity blackout, especially on small business owners, who are bearing the brunt.
He, however, appealed to the people to remain calm and patient, assuring them that he would not relent in his efforts of ensuring that electricity supply was finally restored to the area shortly.
Averik also advised the people, especially the youths, to always explore other legal means in seeking redress instead of resorting to protests, which, he said, was often hijacked by people with dubious intentions. (NAN)
– Feb. 10, 2021 @ 12:55 GMT
Tags: Jema’a LG chair decries delay in restoring power supply to Kafanchan
