Kogi: Investigate transmission station Vandalism, activist tells minister

A human rights activist, Chief Haruna Ahmed Osike, has called on the Minister of Power, Alhaji Saleh Mamman, to investigate the alleged vandalisation of the NIPP project at Usugwe community in Okehi LGA of Kogi state where aluminium wire and service poles valued over N200 million was carted away by the staff of Okene area office of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).

He expressed worries that the transmission power station that costs the federal government several billions of naira has remained a source of vandalisation.

He therefore appealed for adequate security at the site of the project.

Osike who made the call Sunday at a press conference in Lokoja, alleged that the Area Manager of AEDC, Okene area office, Kogi state, Mr John Suleiman in conniver  with Mr Iyabagi Danladi, a senior distribution manager  at the same office, vandalised over 2,000 meters of 150mm aluminium conductor and over 25 high tension concrete poles at Usugwe community, belonging  to the NIPP project of the federal government.

Chief Osike lamented that the duo of John Suleiman and Iyabagi Danladi, who ordered AEDC staff to vandalise the NIPP site rushed to Nigeria Police at Okehi division to report that it was thieves that carried out the vandalism.

Osike, who is an expert in electrical matter, appealed  to the minister to  take action, saying the power transmission station which cost the federal government over N10 billion has been suffering in the hands of vandals and AEDC staff.

“We are appealing to the minister to provide adequate security for the power station so that government’s effort will not be in vain,” Osike pleaded.

Reacting to the allegations, the Area Manager Mr John Suleiman through a phone call, said the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria has sold the transmission  power station, adding that  he had the right to rescue the property against vandalism.

“AEDC is in charge of what is remaining at the station, so we went there to recover the items. The police in Okehi division and the administrator of the local government are aware of our operation at the station,” he said.

Leave a Reply