Lawmaker leads protest against BEDC over power outage in Delta

THE member representing Warri North Local Government Area in Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Michael Diden, on Friday, spearheaded a protest march against Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) over poor electricity supply and estimated billing in Sapele.

Friday’s protest marked the third time a protest would be held against electricity debacle in the ancient city, with one led by a cleric.

The lawmaker, popularly known as Ejele, during the protest also vowed to return to the streets if the electricity company refused to improve in its service to Sapele residents and put an end to estimated bills.

The distraught lawmaker, who addressed a mammoth crowd that converged at Olympia roundabout in Sapele, said it was inimical and heartless to live in a town that has two generating stations and still suffer poor power supply.

He urge the crowd, many of who were clad in black tops, not to relent in their fight for their rights, beginning with the protest against BEDC.

According to him, “We have had enough and today, I have decided to join this protest for the electricity because I am facing the same pain as you.

I spent much on generators too and I am not on their commercial line called line 33.

We can’t continue to live in this kind of situation that is why I am saying enough is enough. Companies are closing up, SMEs are closing up too.

If after one week they refused to listen to us, we will return to this place.

We have sent a message with our peaceful protest,” he noted.

Earlier, the protesters had taken to the streets as early as 7:00a.m, brandishing giant placards with inscriptions like “No light, no bill”, “We don tire Funke,” “BEDC pack your load and go,” and “We no go tire to demand for our right,” among others.

The protesters also demanded the resignation of Minister of Power, Raji Fashola amid war songs and a DJ providing music with huge speakers mounted on an open truck.

Some of the protesters boarded cars, motorcycles, tricycles (Keke) for easy movement while human traffic snaked through Ajogodo straight to Amukpe down to the Benin – Warri Express way.

Commercial and social activities were, as a result, disrupted as Sapele stool still for hours.

Meanwhile, the Head of Corporate Affairs, BEDC, Mr Tayo Adekunle and Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer, Ernest Edgar, could not be reached as of the time of filing this report.