By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger state has been called upon to end years of exploitations despite poor power supply by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) by exploring alternative sources of power to end epileptic supply slowing down businesses and retarding the growth and development of the state.
The call on the Governor to end years of monopoly by the AEDC is coming days after the company pleaded with customers for the understanding over poor electricity supply being experienced in parts of the state.
The AEDC Chief Business Officer (CBO), Niger state, Engineer Samuel Odekina has told journalists during an interactive session that the company has not been able to meet expected supply due to uncleared debts and the activities of vandals.
Odekina said efforts by the AEDC and the Niger Electricity Distribution Limited (NEDL) to ensure regular electricity supply to customers especially now that the weather is getting hotter and the fear of outbreak of heat borne diseases due to heat wave is yet to yielded desired results .
But as the AEDC struggled without success to absolve the company from blames over epileptic power supply, Mr. Zachariah Aliyu, who has his business with 80 percent dependence on electricity at Fadipe area wants Governor Bago to partner another power distribution company for quality and efficient services delivery.
Aliyu accused the AEDC of always coming up with one excuse and apology for inefficiencies, insisting that Nigerlites are not getting value for monies paid for electricity to run their businesses, especially for people like him.
With the Ramadan and lenten fasting around the corner, Aliyu expressed fears that the situation may further deteriorate and therefore encouraged Governor Bago to break the monopoly by allowing for competition so that the AEDC and any other company serving same purpose will be forced to sit up.
Aliyu whom decry damages to his business due to epileptic power supply said, "I want Governor Bago to consider engaging another power distribution company because this AEDC is no longer living up to expectations in serving electricity needs of the populace".
Aliyu who accused the AEDC of deliberately not willing to supply meter to customers because they wanted crazy billings or estimate bills to continue expressed fears of diseases like meningitis if nothing is done urgently to resolve electricity problems in the state soonest. NNL.
