…Says no one has the right to relocate power equipment without approval
By Dare Akogun
The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), Kwara Region, has condemned the unauthorized removal of two transformers from the Alagbado Layout Community Area 1 phase in Ilorin South Local Government area, describing it as an act of vandalism against IBEDC property.
Speaking exclusively to Sobi FM on Monday, The IBEDC Regional Communication Officer in Ilorin, Hajia Falilat Lawal, stated that the company was unaware of the removal and warned that no individual, including government officials, has the right to relocate IBEDC equipment without prior approval.
“Nobody, including government officials, has the right to remove IBEDC transformers or any of our equipment without first informing the company and obtaining necessary approval. Anything contrary is against the law,” she said.
It would be recalled that residents of Alagbado Layout Community had over the weekend accused the Chairman of Ilorin South Local Government, Nuhu Majeed Podo, of ordering the removal of two transformers that had recently been installed to restore electricity to the area.
The affected transformers include a 300KVA unit provided by the local government and a 500KVA unit donated by Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central Senatorial District.
Confirming the incident, Personal Assistant to chairman, Yusuf Olatunji, in a post on Facebook signed by the Podo New Media said the transformers were removed following an order by the Chairman over a dispute between Alagbado Community, Area 1 Phase 1 and Phase 2, over ownership and distribution of electricity.
“The chairman visited the area to resolve the issue, and part of his actions was to order that the two transformers be taken to the local government office in Pake,” Olatunji stated.
However, residents have condemned the move, describing it as an abuse of power and an attempt to throw the community back into darkness after enduring two years without electricity.
