By Haruna Usman, Birnin Kebbi
A non-governmental organisation comprising of technocrats and human rights activists committed to justice and good governance under the aegis of Kebbi Development Forum (KDF) in collaboration of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) said it is partnering with Governor Nasir Idris to improve electricity supply in Kebbi State.
According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communications and Strategy, Abdulllahi Idris Zuru, the Forum is partnering the Kaduna Electric Distribution Company (KAEDCO) to undertake a statewide sensitization and advocacy among consumers and service providers on efficient electricity use and consumer rights.
He noted that the chairman of the Forum, Alhaji Usman Gwandu unfolded the comprehensive joint consultative and strategic advocacy programme at a courtesy visit on the Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi Mika’ilu Sami Gomo lll, as it commenced the sensitisation tour of the four emirates in the state.
He stressed that the tour aim to educate the customers on their rights to qualify and reliable service, transparent billing, metering, and compensation where customers made investments in electricity infrastructure.
Alhaji Gwandu commended the exemplary and patriotic leadership qualities of Governor Nasir Idris, having procured a transformer worth over N600 million naira and allocation of N150 million monthly support to Kaduna Electric Distribution Company (KAEDCO) towards enhancing the electricity supply in the state.
He told the Emir that the sensitisation includes the traditional rulers, religious leaders, local government councils, industrial and trade unions as well as all the stakeholders in electricity regulatory and management agencies.
The chairman solicited for the support of the Royal Father towards achieving the desired objectives of the programme.
In his remarks, Emir Sanusi Sami commended the foresight of the forum in initiating the laudable programme which he believed would save the electricity consumers from exploitation.
The visibly worried Emir declared that “With this development, never again would his subjects be shortchanged and be made to pay for replacement of damaged transformers and electric poles and monthly bills for services not provided ”
In the presence of his guests, the Emir constituted a high powered committee that comprised of traditional rulers, respected community leaders and other stakeholders under the chairmanship of the Chiefdom of Dabai, Alhaji Suleiman M Sami, to compile a comprehensive report of the communities in the emirate with electricity supply challenges and submit for necessary action.
A townhall interactive session that involved stakeholders and consumers was later held at Zuru during which the consumers’ grievances on electricity supply were painfully expressed.