Oyo Govt Shuts Our Offices Because We Demanded For N450m Owes Us –IBEDC

The Management of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company(IBEDC) Plc has explained the reasons for the retaliatory and illegal action of the Oyo State Government over the issue of its huge indebtedness.

The Oyo State Government on early Wednesday commenced the sealing of IBEDC offices within the state over some suddenly contrived debts labelled revenue bills and personal income without due notification.

“This issue of revenue bills and personal income arising now is quite suspicious,” said Engr. John Ayodele, IBEDC Chief Operating Officer in a signed statement.

He noted that Oyo State Government is owing IBEDC a whopping consumption outstanding of N450million for over a period of three years.

Engr. Ayodele explained that the company, as part of efforts to get the outstanding paid, initiated several engagements through correspondences and physical meetings, but all these efforts yielded no result.

“No business in this country can run successfully with such a huge outstanding. The power we distribute to customers must be accounted for and paid for. We have no choice but to disconnect the Oyo State Secretariat. So, it is worrisome to see that the government has sealed off our offices with this underhand and arm twisting tactics, instead of paying the debt owed. This was not done in good faith and it would have damaging effect on the business and service delivery to our customers,”Engr. Ayodele added.

The COO appealed to the State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde to look into the matter in the interest of all concerned as this would further exarcerbate the power challenges and pressure on residents and commercial activities within the state.

IBEDC engages in essential services to the public and the effect of this arm twisting tactics can at best be imagined if not quickly arrested.