Epileptic electricity supply to Ogbomoso township, nonchalant attitude of IBEDC staffers to the obligation of the organisation to the consumers, alleged defrauding of the electricity users by the organisation through crazy bills among other allegations against IBEDC forced an Ogbomoso organisation, Ogbomoso Community Youth Forum under the leadership of Rev Peter Olaleye of New Estate Baptist Church, Ogbomoso to mobilize electricity consumers in Ogbomoso geo-political zone of Oyo state for a showdown with IBEDC, Ogbomoso branch with a protest on Monday, 21, June 2021. The youths organization decided to block the ever-busy Ibadan - Ilorin highway to show their grievances against the organization. The non-political, non-religious organization had previously met with the leadership of IBEDC, Ogbomoso branch over the epileptic power to the zone which has crippled the business of the people. However, there was little or no improvement in their services. The protest was, however, put off because of the passionate appeal made to the youths by eminent personalities in the geopolitical zone including traditional rulers and leaders of various security forces. The premix being that the protest might be hijacked by unscrupulous elements and wreck harvest in the town especially. Instead of protest, a town hall meeting was organized by the youth organisation for Ogunlola Hall, Oja Igbo, Ogbomoso on Monday, June 21,2021.
At the parley were electricity users both domestic and industrial like sawmillers, welders and blacksmiths, Barbers, hoteliers among others. Towns organisation include Ogbomoso Parapo. The IBEDC was representatives to the parley which include regional manger were led the manager, Ogbomoso business hub, Mr Nelson Udeme.
On the occasion was the executive chairman of Ogbomoso North local government, Mr Kabiru .l Security operatives which include men of the Nigeria police from Ogbomoso zone led by Mr Yemi Oyeniyi, the area commander, Owode Ogbomoso, NCDC, Vigilante and Amotekun.
After the parley where people raised allegations against the organisation and IBEDC representatives equally put up its defence, certain demands were made by the people which IBEDC must meet up with for peace to reign which include the suspension bills to customers for three months after which customers without prepaid meters should be charged #1000 a month.
Secondly, IBEDC should ensure regular supply of electricity to the town at least twenty hours a day. Thirdly only, prepaid meters paid for by customers over the year must be provided and henceforth, meters should be provided free.
In addition, the youth organisation demanded that henceforth, IBEDC should take responsibility for maintenance and repairs of its facilities which hitherto had forced down the throat of the customers.
Also, IBEDC should stop it's workers from harassing customers. Furthermore, the organisation should tender public apologies to the people for the poor service in the town. Last but not the least regular meeting should be organised where matters of common interest would be discussed.
The parley at Ogbomoso shows that the Nigerian youths have woken up from their slumber and docility to take their destinies in their own hands , realising that the elders can not guarantee their development. Also, the parley was continuation of the endsars revolt of 2020, the trend will definitely continue until youths agitation is addressed. Another implication of Parley was that government is loosing it's influence as provider of basic amenities like electricity for the people. Government having abdicate it role as provider of electricity to Shylock individuals and organisations, people have now decided to question the organisations for surcharging them. Implicatively, service providers can mo longer take people for a ride or exploit their customers without repercussion. Lastly, the parley proves right the saying that jaw jaw is better than war war. The forum enabled both side to iron out their differences under an enabling environment. Had the youths organisation refused to listen to voice of reason and continued with their protest, unscrupulous elements might hijacked the protest and destroy public property. In this wise, security forces might also intervene to maintain law and order, the possible confrontation might lead to destruction of lives and properties. Meanwhile, IBEDC needs to be appreciated for maturity shown during the parley. However, the closure of the offices of the organisation since Tuesday, June 22, 2021, a day after the parley shows that IBEDC as a business organisation is not bendable and has taken itself as a lord of minor. Since Tuesday, the organisation has withdrew it's services from the town and throws her into utter darkness and crippled economic activities. The organisation through its action further shows that it is not ready to improve its services. After all customers are kings. Oyo state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde is advised to call IBEDC to order and return to Ogbomoso to resume work. Query her over the non provision of its services by customers should not be taken as an assault but as a means of improving the services through which the organisation gets its revenue.
Furthermore, Ogbomoso parley would serve as a template for other towns in their dealings with service providers.
Mr. Adewuyi Adegbite
ayekooto05@gmail.com
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