Only BEDC Has Powers To Connect Or Not Connect Electricity Consumers – Arimokwu
Desist Collection Of Illegal Fees For Connection Of Electricity, Arimokwu Warns Sub Landlords/Landladies Associations
* By Nicholas Ebegboni
In recent years, the issue of illegal collection of money from developers has become a major concern for Ika residents. Many home owners have fallen victim to the unjust demands of certain individuals and groups claiming to represent various associations. This unethical and unlawful practice not only damages the reputation of the Landlords/Landladies Association, but also creates an unnecessary financial burden for those involved.
In a bid to put an end to this unacceptable behaviour, Mr. Vincent Arimokwu, the Chairman of Ika Landlords/Landladies Association, has issued a stern warning to all sub associations to desist from forcefully collecting money from developers before they can connect electricity to their houses.
In a statement released by Mr. Vincent Arimokwu, he expressed his disappointment and concern over the increasing cases of illegal collection of money from developers. He emphasized that it was Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) that has the sole authority to connect electricity to people’s homes and any other demands for money by sub associations is illegal. This means that any developer or home owner has the right to refuse such demands and report them to the appropriate authorities.
According to him, the Ika Landlords/Landladies Association, under the leadership of Mr. Arimokwu, is committed to upholding integrity and transparency in it’s relations with the public. He maintained that the association strictly follows all laws and regulations governing the industrial c and strongly condemns any act of corruption or extortion. Mr. Arimokwu stressed that the association will not hesitate to take legal action against any sub association found guilty of illegal collection of money.
“One of the major consequences of this illegal practice is the financial burden it places on developers and home owners, adding to the already high cost of constructing a house, the additional demand for money from sub associations can be financially draining.’ he postulated.
Speaking further, “This, in turn, can lead to delays in project completion and even cancellation of projects, and it creates a negative perception of the Landlords and Landladies association, while it can discourage potential investors from doing business in the environment where such acts is being perpetrated.
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Continuing, he affirmed that, not only is illegal collection of money from developers was an unethical practice, but, it also goes against the principles of fairness, infringement of one’s right to own property without hindrance in the country. According to him, the unlawful practice, gives certain sub associations an unfair advantage over others and creates a form of slavery.
The Ika Landlords/Landladies Association, once again sent a clear message to all sub associations that illegal collection of money from developers would not be tolerated, as any individual or group of persons found wanting in that regard would be arrested and prosecuted.
He assured the association would write all the Divisional Police Officers in Ika land on the matter, and the need to nip it in the bud
He urges all developers and home owners to resist any unjust demands for money and report such activities to the appropriate authorities. He said, “Let us work together to create a fair and transparent community that benefits all parties involved.”
“Remember , it is only BEDC that has the authority to connect electricity to your home, not any sub association; let us desist from this illegal and unethical behavior and move towards a better society,”he reiterated.