By Chilagorom Ifeanyi
On Tuesday, 26th November 2024, the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, chaired by Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba, convened an investigative hearing to address a petition by M. C. Chambers on behalf of Mbaise District in Imo State. The petition, directed against the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), and the Honourable Ministers of Power, focused on the abandonment of the Aboh Mbaise Transmission Station, recurring blackouts, alleged extortion, and neglect of Mbaise and Ngor Okpala Local Government Areas.
Stakeholders Present
Prominent representatives from Mbaise and Ngor Okpala included Hon. Matthew Nwogu, Member representing Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency; Mr. Bruno Onuoha, representing Hon. Emeka Chinedu (Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Mbaise Federal Constituency); Barr. Malachy Nwaekpe (the petitioner); Chief Alex Eluwa; Comrade Chilagorom Ifeanyi; and Barr. E. R. Opara. Respondents included officials from NERC, EEDC, and Atlantic Engineering & Construction Company, which oversees the Owerri–Aboh Mbaise 132KV double-circuit transmission line project.
Key Issues Discussed
The petitioner, Barr. Malachy Nwaekpe, criticized EEDC for failing to produce a reconciliatory report since their meeting on 30th April 2024. He alleged that no tangible improvements had been made, with most Mbaise communities still lacking functional transformers.
The Managing Director of EEDC, however, claimed that many transformers in Mbaise had been repaired, though the communities owed an outstanding debt of ₦28.3 million as of November 2024. The Committee Chairman questioned the accuracy of this claim and called for proper verification.
Hon. Matthew Nwogu countered the MD’s assertions, stating that no progress had been recorded in Ngor Okpala. He emphasized the need for fairness, saying, “I cannot be here and allow my communities to be short-changed or extorted.”
Call for Comprehensive Reconciliation
The Committee Chairman ordered a holistic reconciliation meeting involving all stakeholders, including Mbaise and Ngor Okpala representatives, EEDC, NERC, and the petitioner. The session is scheduled for 13th January 2025. Communities were directed to present their EEDC bills for review.
Vandalism Concerns
EEDC’s management appealed to the communities to safeguard electricity infrastructure against vandalism. In response, Hon. Nwogu and Hon. Chinedu pledged to establish local vigilante groups to protect these assets.
Next Steps
The case was adjourned to 21st January 2025 to ensure the reconciliation process yields results. The venue for the January 13 meeting will be announced later.
This hearing highlights the persistent electricity challenges in Mbaise and Ngor Okpala and underscores the need for accountability and collaborative solutions.
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