Victor EzejaThe Southeast Zonal Chapter of the Electricity Consumers of Nigeria (ECAN) has criticised those it described as mortal enemies of the geopolitical zone for “working against the takeoff of the Geometric Power plant” in the Osisioma Industrial Estate in Aba Abia State.
Aba Power, owned by Geometric Power Limited has the franchise to supply electricity to nine of the 17 local government areas in Abia State.
In a statement released in Enugu, the ECAN Southeast chairman, Engineer Joseph Ubani, and the secretary, Comrade Chris Okpara, said: “The forces against Southeast progress went to work immediately the media published that Geometric Power, the largest investment in the Southeast, is about to be commissioned.”
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ECAN claimed that a group of pipsqueaks was being employed by anti-Southeast elements to disseminate false information about the utility on social media. “where there are no editors or gatekeepers to verify all manner of claims and allegations”.
The association assured that once the Geometric Power plant is commissioned, Aba and its environs would enjoy reliable and stable power more than any other city in Nigeria.
It added: “In the transition period to constant electricity, the integrated power group would, however, continue to import power from such generation firms as the Niger Delta Power Holding Company of Nigeria (NDPHCN).
“This means that the power supply can’t be satisfactory because generation companies are faced with acute natural gas shortages.
“What is more, the transmission network is old, poorly maintained and therefore fragile. It collapses easily at the drop of a hat like when there is an attempt to add over 4,500 megawatts to the sole national grid”.
The electricity consumers wondered why “the furtive saboteurs against the Southeast would seek to create the impression that electricity supply in the country is impressive except in the Aba ringed-fence area whereas the situation in Aba is better than in most parts of the country despite the fact that the NDPHCN supplies the area, which needs 100MW, with only 25MW”.
ECAN promised Nigerians that the $800 million Geometric Power project would go forward despite the actions of people it referred to as naysayers and malcontents, calling it the largest investment in the Southeast.
“We are satisfied that Geometric Power has installed the best electricity infrastructure in the world in Aba to change the Abia socioeconomic landscape,” the group declared.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
