The Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (DISCO) has threatened to withdraw its services from identified hostile customers and communities if the lingering spate of attacks and threats on their staff on lawful duty persist.
The company said that instead of using the channels of resolution created by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), aggrieved customer in some areas prefer to attack their staff.
In a statement issued by the company in Lagos, the Ikeja Disco said the wanton attacks on their staff are completely irrational, unnecessary and unproductive, especially where the company had provided multiple channels through which customers can lodge formal complaints with respect to services or bills.
“Where responses from these channels are deemed unsatisfactory, the NERC has also set up a robust forum for the redress of customer complaints. For avoidance of doubt, we have escalated the recent attacks, which went viral, to the appropriate authorities and we are currently exploring every legal channel available to us to ensure the offenders (some of who are currently on the run) are brought to book.
“Ikeja Electric will not allow its personnel to suffer intimidation, assault and other bodily harm or threat from anyone who hides under various smokescreens for the unwarranted attack of its staff.
“In the interest of the safety of our employees and members of the public, Ikeja Electric will continue the deliberate engagement of all stakeholders in flashpoint areas to find ways to amicably resolve all pertinent issues of concern to its customers and communities,” the company said.
According to the company, where these attacks persist, Ikeja Electric Plc, in line with her obligation to provide service under a conducive atmosphere to its customers, will promptly withdraw its services from communities and customers that prove too hostile to operate in.
“We, therefore, urge all stakeholders, community leaders, leaders of youth groups and all persons of interest to remain mindful of these matters and adopt a more civil approach to engagements as all parties are deserving of reciprocal respect and regard as espoused by all laws.
“While there may be concerns and disputes arising from time to time, we remain committed to finding long lasting peaceful resolutions in the equitable interests of all parties”, the company pleaded with members of the public.
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