BY AKUDORO GLORIA
The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has weighed into the incident involving the Nigerian Air Force’s attack on the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) facilities, advocating for a peaceful resolution between the parties.
Personnel of the Nigerian Air Force had on Thursday stormed the IKEDC facilities and allegedly assaulted staff, management of the company, and journalists present during the incident, following the disconnection of the power supply due to outstanding bills.
The Minister, in a statement on Friday signed by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Mr. Bolaji Tunji emphasized the importance of prioritizing collaboration over conflict.
Adelabu who condemned the attack on one of the nation’s critical power distribution company, described the incident as unfortunate and a matter of grave concern to the country.
This he said has also raised serious questions about the need for restraint, dialogue, and the use of appropriate democratic channels in resolving conflicts.
The Minister added that the power sector is the lifeblood of the nation’s economy and a cornerstone of national development; hence, any attack on its infrastructure is an attack on the progress and well-being of our people.
“This incident has set back our efforts to achieve stable and uninterrupted power supply, and it is a blow to the collective aspirations of our nation”, Adelabu said.
He said the facilities of Ikeja Electric, which serve millions of Nigerians were designed to ensure the efficient distribution of electricity to homes, hospitals, schools, and industries including military installations.
The Minister further expressed displeasure, stating, “Such actions are counterproductive and only serve to exacerbate the challenges we face as a nation. We must always remember that violence and destruction are not the answer to our problems. Instead, we must embrace dialogue, understanding, and the rule of law as the only viable means of resolving conflicts.
“I call on all parties involved to exercise restraint and to seek peaceful and democratic means of addressing all issues that may have led to this unfortunate incident. Our democracy provides us with the tools and institutions necessary to resolve disputes without resorting to violence. We have the judiciary, the legislature, and various regulatory bodies that are empowered to mediate and adjudicate conflicts. It is imperative that we utilize these channels to ensure that justice is served and that such incidents do not recur.
“The military is a vital institution in our nation, and its role in maintaining peace and security cannot be overstated. However, it is equally important that all actions taken by our armed forces are proportionate, targeted, and in line with the principles of democracy and the rule of law.”
Adelabu commended the staff and management of IKEDC for their resilience in the face of provocation and assured of the Ministry’s support in resolving the issue.
“Your comportment in the face of this adversity are a testament to your dedication to serving the Nigerian people. The Federal Ministry of Power stands ready to support you in any way possible to ensure that normalcy is restored as quickly as possible”.
Furthermore, the Minister declared, “We must prioritize collaboration over conflict, dialogue over discord, and unity over division. The challenges we face in the power sector are significant, but they are not insurmountable. With a shared commitment to the common good, we can overcome these challenges and build a brighter future for all Nigerians”.