A coalition of civil society organisations has called on the Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State to stop his alleged attacks against the Benin Electricity Distribution Company.
A statement made available to our correspondent on Sunday quoted the coalition, comprising 47 CSOs, including the Transparency Advocacy for Development Initiative, to have made the call in Abuja during a briefing convened by TADI’s National Convener, Solomon Adodo.
“We call on the Governor of Edo State to forthwith refrain from antagonising BEDC and instead, follow the relevant rules and guidelines, which govern contract terms.
“The issue of power distribution in Edo State should not be unnecessarily politicised. It should be made clear that all DISCOs are firmly protected by the contract terms and conditions under which they were issued licences and it is on record that the BEDC has not in any way breached such conditions, ” the coalition said.
It called on the Bureau of Public Enterprise; the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Company and every concerned regulator “to immediately come out and clear the air on the needless controversies being stirred to cripple the BEDC under its current management.”
The coalition warned that if it did not get a positive response from the bodies within seven days, it would embark on a peaceful protest to their offices.