BEDC officials take their heels as protesters storm office

Staffs of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) Ubiaja in Esan South East Local Government Area took to their heels as consumers of their products stormed their office in their hundreds.

The protesters made up of all age groups, artisans etc. and led by the Oniha of Ubiaja High Chief John Odigie, are protesting the almost six months of non-availability of light in the town.

Brandishing placards as they march through the major streets of the town, they chanted “Ubiaja can no longer bear to remain in perpetual darkness” “BEDC live up to your responsibility”.

The protesting groups made a stopover at the palace of the Onojie His Royal Majesty Curtis Iredia Eidenojie 1 and were received by the Palace Secretary Mr. Emmanuel Obiyan who praised the peaceful manner the protesters conducted themselves, stressing that this protest was long overdue. He wondered why the management of BEDC decided to play the deaf and dumb in spite of several emissaries sent to it by His Royal Highness.

At the office of BEDC, the groups were disappointed as the doors of the office were under lock and key as the workers who apparently have gotten wind of the invading group, took to their heels.

Their next port of call was the office of the Executive Chairman of Esan South East Local Government Mr. Victor Emuakhagbon.

The helmsman, who also acknowledged the peaceful conduct of the group, gave a graphic description of efforts of his office in conjunction with that of the State government in ameliorating the untold hardship the citizens are going through.

Assuring the protesters that their grievances enunciated in the letter they handed over to him, will be transmitted to the office of the Governor immediately he promised to have personal discussion with the leader of the protesters Oniha of Ubiaja John Odigie in proffering palliative measures until situation normalizes