Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in
Cross River State has blamed the blackout it is experiencing in its Calabar
office on alleged sabotage by staff of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).
State
Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mike Igini, who gave an insight into
actions of PHCN workers, which he described as sabotage, said representatives
of the company are demanding N4.2 million from INEC before they can install a
transformer, which the electoral body said it purchased for only N900,000.
Igini,
who issued a statement to this effect said: “We were told that our transformer
was bad and needed to be replaced.
“Outrageous
quotations were brought ranging from N1.2million (200 by 33KVA) to
(N1.4million) all refurbished.
“But
in Lagos, we secured a brand new (200 by 33 KVA) with cost of transportation at
N900, 000 to Calabar.
“To
install the transformer, we were asked to pay installation fee of N4.2 million
by PHCN staff that my staff approached that came to the office, or we should go
to any of their contractors.
“Some
of the contractors put forward both cost of materials and installation
outrageous fees of various amount of monies ranging from N1.8million to
N2.4million to install an equipment of less than N900, 000.
“In
all the quotations, l found a curious item common to all, called ‘Permission to
install new transformer’, not replacement, ranging from N120,000 to N300,000,
and l sought to know why INEC or any consumer would have to pay installation
fees of an equipment that enables PHCN generate revenue.
“No
clear explanation was given, but we were told that if we refuse to pay this
money, PHCN would not connect us.
“At
a point, they requested that we should write application to Port Harcourt for
approval to install – all aimed at frustrating us.
“All
these while, l was in touch with the Chairman of NERC, who insisted we should
not part with a dime.”
Commenting
further on the issue in the text which was made available to Daily
Independent in
Calabar, Igini asked: “How do we implement public policy if the implementers
are not interested in the common good, but personal or group interest.
“Is
it the chairman of NERC, minister or the president that should also come to
implement power sector reform policies in Cross River State or in all the
states where this sabotage is going on to the detriment of the expectations of
Nigerians that need steady power supply? Why are we working against the
progress of our own country?
“Why
all these sabotage and why are we undermining ourselves when we all know that
if we get the power sector right, the speed with which Nigeria would attain
greatness, given its potentials, would be like the speed of a rocket?
“Why
should salaried public servants of a government agency demand for gratification
or bribe from another government agency to perform government public service to
the people?”
Source: Daily Independent
No comments:
Post a Comment