From Blessing Ibunge, Port Harcourt
The Chief Executive Officer of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, PHEDC, Dr Henry Ajagbawa says the company may explore the possibility of seeking the intervention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in dealing with some difficult transactions in area of coverage.
He PHEDC boss who stated on Thursday, during a courtesy visit to the EFCC zonal office in Port Harcourt, maintained that the step falls within the ambits of the Commission.
He lamented that the reluctance by subscribers to pay for services has left the company with huge indebtedness such that it is unable to replace aging or faulty equipment.
He said “We have an ongoing battle. I am unable to buy new transformers because I don’t have the funds. My money is with the consumers who have not paid’.
He however stated that the Company was looking inward with a view to improving its processes, assuring that very soon, Port Harcourt will be enjoying power supply 22 hours every day.
Responding, the Head of the Port Harcourt Zonal office of the EFCC, Usman Imam expressed concern at the challenges that confronts the electricity distribution companies in Nigeria.
He however urged the PHEDC management to carefully examine its processes with a view to eliminating what he called,”internal corruption and abuse”.
The EFCC boss added ‘If you have problem after this, come to us and we will look at it dispassionately’.
