By Monsuru Olowoopejo

Activities at the office of the Eko Distribution Company, Apapa were yesterday paralyzed by residents of Ijora-badia/Amukoko, protesting against hike in electricity tariff and estimated billings of consumers.

Prepaid Meters

The residents who defied the scorching sun stormed the office of the distribution company to express their displeasure over the persistent increase in electricity tariff even in months when they did not supply electricity to the communities.

The residents who carried placards some of which read: “Stop killing us with high electricity tariff,” “FG call EKO Disco to order,” “Give us prepaid meter and stop this estimated billing,” “Stop this estimated billing; “Mr. President rescue the masses;” “Stop giving us deadline for payment;” and others.

The protesters lamented that the persistent increase in electricity tariff has often caused animosity between tenants, adding “this is an area where the electricity bill per room is higher than the monthly house rent.”

Mr. Ganiyu Balogun, the chairman of Moboluwaduro mosque development committee, Amukoko, said “our mosque is small and does not use electricity for 24 hours. But it is alarming that Eko Disco brought a bill of N32, 000 for the month of September. And we asked tham why and they could give any reason for their action.”

The protesters noted that they decided to embark on the demonstration because they could not withstand the continued increase in electricity tariff.
Chairman of the Ijora-badia/Amukoko Community Development Area, Mr. Raymond Tedunjaiye lamented that “in the month of June, this year, the communities were left in blackout. The construction company handling the project damaged the cable supplying electricity to the communities.

“We want all outstanding debts allegedly owed by the consumers be cancelled. This is because the tariff was prepared based on assumption and speculations.”

Responding on behalf of Eko Disco, Mr. Ade Adebayo said “we are appealing to you to give us more time to resolve the issue. We are still working hard to resolve the issue. And very soon, we will get back to you.”