Electricity Theft Law: Due Process Was Not Followed - Edo CSOs

In a bid to update electricity consumers in Edo state, on the Electricity Theft Bill, passed recently by the Kabiru Adjoto-led State House of Assembly, Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO) has come out to state its position on the controversial law.

Edo CSOs, a network of civil society groups in the state said, it has always advocate against electricity theft, as its position is for the inclusion of estimated billing, non provision of meters, irresponsibility of power company in the procurement of transformers, poles in the law.

According to a statement issued by the activists on Monday, "The issues under contention are simple, it should be on record that Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO) is not in support of electricity thievery of any kind, howbeit, the position canvassed is that, the issues of criminal estimated billing, deliberate non provision of meters, irresponsibility of power company in the procurement of transformers, poles and other ancillaries should be included in the proposed law and be criminalized too. 

"It is agreed by all that the forceful collection of payment for service not rendered has negative economic effect on citizens.

The statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Leftist Osaze Edigin further read, "the controversies in the bill are enormous which calls for suspicion of the spirit and intentions of the architect of such an offensive, insensitive and obnoxious bill. Below are some of the inconsistencies and suspicion inherent in the bill.

1. The Chairman Committee on Energy and Water Resources was sidelined.

2. The process of law making was not adhered to.

3. Only 8 lawmakers were involved in it as many others have expressed their non involvement.

4 The bill was never referred to the appropriate committee for review.

5. A special court or a mobile court to try Edo people summarily will be created for a private business concern which will be funded with Edo state money.

6. Criminalisation of extortion and exploitation of Edo people by the BEDC were not captured in the proposed law which makes it lopsided and seek to satisfy the bid of the BEDC alone.

7. Some few hatch men in the house of assembly handled the deal in favour of the BEDC against the wish of the people with a speculative amount in the tune of N50 Million.

8. The state house of assembly has no legislative power to make laws on electricity which falls under the exclusive legislative list. If so, they can as well make laws to regulate our national elections.

9. No public hearing was held in respect of such a bill that borders on the people.

10. The speaker has some few days to exit the house as he is faced with a court case on his election to the house of representatives hence his last damage on Edo people.

From the foregoing, it is obvious the bill was self serving, anti people, offensive and good for the trash bin. Edo state governor should be adequately advised in this critical time to distance himself from such a bill that is capable of putting him and the masses at loggerheads."

The activists assured people of the state of continued protection of their interest, and also, expressed appreciation for their trust and support especially those that turned up for the protest against the Bill.

Meanwhile, Speaker Adjoto has debunked allegations by the group, accusing some members of the House of sponsoring the protest.