AKHERE Godwin, Benin
A consumer has dragged the Benin Electricity distribution Company, BEDC, to court for refusing to reconnect him to the National grid 3 months after he was initially disconnected for alleged breaches.
The consumer Mr Osaro Ibizugbe through his counsel Mr Solomon Odiase had earlier asked the company to pay him N20million for the disconnection dating back to 30th March this year.
He said trouble started when on 24 March this year the company disconnected him and asked him to pay the sum of N36, 000 being fines for meter theft and bypass, loss of revenue for illegal use of electricity and reconnection fee.
He said that he paid the entire amount to the company on the 30th March and was assured of being reconnected, but that till date he along with his family and neighbours have remained without light.
Ibizugbe said his recourse to legal action is because, “having paid the prescribed penalty fees for the alleged wrong doing, the company is under contractual obligation to provide me with electricity”.
He added, “the company has broken a contract with me a customer…denying me access to electricity even after collecting penalty fees amount to double jeopardy and since I have complained verbally and in writing through several letters to no avail, I decided to go to court”.
However, contacted an official of the Public affairs department of the company who said she is not competent to speak on the matter acknowledged that Mr Ibizugbe has fulfilled all conditions to be reconnected, adding , “am sure our men have gone there repeatedly and met no one at home”.
Reacting, Mr Ibizugbe said his octogenarian father lives with several other persons who can be reached at short notice, at the house No. 43 Owina Street, Off Sokponba Road, Benin city.
He said the company official was being economical with truth as the house was open throughout the week for workers of the company to access and effect reconnection, if they are really interested.
