For disconnecting electricity to the State Secretariat over failure to pay N450 million debt, the Oyo State government has sealed off the offices of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) Plc.

The secretariat houses the Governor’s Office.

Chief Operating Officer of IBEDC, Mr. John Ayodele, confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday

Ayodele described the action as retaliatory.

The statement reads: “The management of IBEDC hereby informs its esteemed customers of the retaliatory and illegal action of the Oyo State Government over the issue of its huge indebtedness.

“The Oyo State Government on Wednesday 9 February 2022 commenced the sealing of our offices within the state over some suddenly contrived debts labelled revenue bills and personal income without due notification.

“This issue of revenue bills and personal income arising now is quite suspicious.

“Oyo State Government is owing IBEDC a whooping consumption outstanding of N450 million for over a period of three years.

“No business in this country can run successfully with such a huge outstanding, the power we distribute to customers must be accounted for and paid for, we have no choice but to disconnect the Oyo State Secretariat, so it is worrisome to see that the government has sealed off our offices with this underhand and arm twisting tactics, instead of paying the debt owed.

“This was not done in good faith and it would have a damaging effect on the business and service delivery to our customers.”

TheStar