By Charles Igbo
I do not own EEDC in any form, whether whole or part; beneficial or nominal. I am not on its Board. I hold no share. Notably, I acknowledge and commend the current Imo State Government for its ongoing power initiatives.”
A former Imo State Governor, The Rt. Honourable Emeka Ihedioha, has expressed a combination of shock, anger and indignation that anybody could, would, associate him with plans to sabotage the Imo State Electricity Project aimed at providing the State with round the clock electricity.
The Imo State Government had, on Tuesday, in a statement that took not a few people aback, signed by its Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, alleged that the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, has concluded plans to sabotage the State Electricity Project. It plans to do so, the statement ssid, by embarking on a massive electricity outage in the State with an aim to sabotage the Government’s Electricity Project.
It said: “The Imo State Government has obtained credible intelligence of plans by the management of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to unleash major power outages in Imo State in a bid to frustrate and sabotage the Light up Imo Project which will soon provide uninterrupted light to all parts of the State.
“The Government has ample evidence indicating that EEDC is determined to ensure that this effort of the Imo State Government to provide reliable and affordable eletricity for Imo people is frustrated.
“The idea behind the planned massive power outage by EEDC is to turn around and blame the installation process of the Orashi Electricity Company, the State Government’s licensed company, for the blackouts.”
From behind, considering the bitter politics in the State, a few people had taken it for granted, that the Government was pointing accusing fingers at Ihedioha, the most popular opposition politician in Imo State. It was not helped when an Aide to the State Governor, pointedly, mentioned Ihedioha’s name, and connected him to the alleged plans of sabotage. The rumour which Ihedioha has now rubbish, has been on that he is a co-owner of the EEDC.
But reacting to the suspicion and pointed allegations, Ihedioha, in a statement he personally signed, said nothing could be further from the truth. He said the allegations were not only “unfounded” but wicked. He disclosed that he had nothing to do with EEDC as he was neither owner, board member or shareholder.
On the contrary, Ihedioha said he acknowledges and commends the effort of the State Government for “its ongoing power initiatives” as “any genuine effort to expand energy access, strengthen infrastructure, and improve the well-being of our people deserves encouragement.”
To confirm this sentiment, Ihedioha pointed out: “As Governor, I championed this same vision when I established the Imo State Power and Rural Electrification Agency (IPOREA), the first dedicated institutional framework created to advance electrity development in the State.”
For the records, too, Ihedioha recalled that he revived the renowned Ahiajoku Lecture Series during his administration after nearly a decade of dormancy.
Following is the full text of the former Governor’s statement.
“My attention has been drawn to baseless and completely unfounded allegations suggesting that I, as the purported owner of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, am sabotaging the ongoing Imo State Power Project. Let me state firmly and unequivocally that these claims are false. I do not own EEDC in any form, whether whole or part, beneficial or nominal. I am not on its Board. I hold no shares and I do not participate in, or influence its corporate decisions in any way. Those peddling these narratives are relying on fiction, not fact.
“Notably, I acknowledge and commend the current Imo State Government for its ongoing power initiatives. Any genuine effort to expand energy access, strengthen infrastructure, and improve the well being of our people deserves encouragement.
“As Governor, I championed this same vision when I established the Imo State Power and Rural Electrification Agency (IPOREA), the first dedicated institutional framework created to advance electricity development in the State. It was established to provide stability, coordination, and long-term structure for power solutions in Imo.
“I remain proud of that foundation, and I welcome any progressive steps taken today that align with the goal of a more prosperous and energy-secure Imo.
“In the spirit of continuity and cultural advancement, I am pleased to recall that I revived the renowned Ahiajoku Lecture Series during my administration after nearly a decade of dormancy. Ahiajoku represents the intellectual soul of our people, and its preservation is essential to our cultural identity. I am, therefore, delighted that the current administration has also reinstated the programme, reinforcing a pedigree that enriches Imo’s traditional and academic heritage.
“My commitment to the development of Imo State, its institutions, its people, and its future, remains unwavering. I will continue to support any initiative that strengthens our State, uplifts our citizens, and promotes progress grounded in truth, integrity and vision.”
Ihedioha was Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, 2011-2015. He was, also, Governor of Imo State, 2019-2020. A Knight of St Christopher, Anglican Communion, he holds the National Honour of CON.
Discover more from The Source
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
