From CHARLES ONYEKWERE
Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, has decried the unannounced demolition of its Orlu district office by the Imo State government.
The incident, which occurred around 8:30am on Wednesday, left staff and management in disbelief, with no prior notice or official explanation provided.
According to a statement by the Head of Corporate Communications, EEDC, Emeka Ezeh, the demolition began when an excavator, allegedly sent by the Imo State government, gained access into the premises through the back fence and immediately started pulling down structures.
“The excavator commenced the demolition of the property from the back fence, pulling down the store, the cash office and the security house.
“Properties and equipment belonging to the company were all destroyed, and staff who were around were denied access when they attempted to salvage the items,” Ezeh stated.
The situation escalated when the district business manager and another staff member were allegedly assaulted and arrested by a special security squad known as ‘Tiger Base,’ and subsequently taken to Owerri.
The demolition reportedly occurred under the watch of the Chairman of Orlu Local Government Area, Chris Mbaeri.
EEDC expressed deep concern over the development, noting that no official communication or justification for the action had been received from the state government.
“There is no known reason for the action nor was there any notice or communication made to EEDC in that regard.
“Rather, we were told that they were acting under the directive of the state government,” Ezeh narrated.
He stressed the need for accountability and transparency, especially given that EEDC had occupied the premises for over 20 years. “We therefore request the Imo State government to at least let us know why a premises that we have occupied for over two decades was suddenly demolished in the manner it was done in the early hours of today.”
As at the time of this report, the management of EEDC remains in the dark over the motive behind the demolition, describing it as an “undeserving calamity.”
Efforts to reach the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emerumba, for comment were unsuccessful, as his mobile phone was permanently switched off.
