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By Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The Management of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company(IBEDC) Plc has accused the Oyo State Government of having an ulterior motive following the
sealing of its offices within the state.
Oyo State Government had on Wednesday, February 9, sealed off IBEDC offices within Ibadan over alleged non-payment of N400 million tax.
It was also learned that IBEDC had earlier disconnected electricity supply to the state secretariat over alleged N450 million debt.
Reacting to the sealing of its offices, IBEDC, in a statement signed by its Chief Operating Officer, Engr. John Ayodele, confirmed that Oyo State Government is indeed owing the company a sum of N450 million over a period of three years.
The electricity company noted that the issue of non-payment of N400 tax raised by the Oyo State Government is quite suspicious, describing the sealing of its offices as retaliatory and illegal.
Ayodele faulted the state government’s action, saying, “our offices within the state over some suddenly contrived debts labelled revenue bills and personal income without due notification.”
He explained that the company held several engagements through correspondences and physical meetings with the state government as part of efforts to get the it(state government) to pay the outstanding debts.
“No business in this country can run successfully with such a huge outstanding debt. The power we distribute to customers must be accounted for and paid for; we have no choice but to disconnect the Oyo State Secretariat. So, it is worrisome to see that the government has sealed off our offices with this underhand and arm twisting tactics, instead of paying the debt owed.
“This was not done in good faith and it would have damaging effect on the business and service delivery to our customers .”
The company implored Governor Seyi Makinde to look into the matter in the interest of all parties, adding that the action would further worsen the power challenges and put pressure on residents and commercial activities within the state.