A human rights lawyer and public affairs analyst, Mr. Inibehe Effiong, has implored residents of Akwa Ibom State to embark on peaceful protests against the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc (PHED) persistent power outages and poor service delivery across the state.
In a public statement, he lamented the worsening electricity situation in Uyo and other parts of Akwa Ibom, noting that several communities have continued to experience erratic and unreliable power supply, even during the festive season.
The lawyer, who referenced Ewet Housing Estate and adjoining areas in the state capital, described the situation as unacceptable and distressing for residents who rely heavily on electricity for domestic and economic activities.
He stated:“It is unfortunate, shameful and annoying, that Ewet Housing Estate, and other areas in Uyo and Akwa Ibom generally, have been facing poor power supply because of the gross failure, irresponsibility, and crass incompetence of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution PLC (PHED).”
He accused the PHED of failing to provide fair and stable power supply to consumers in the state, despite regular billing, stressing that the problem has become a recurring issue rather than an isolated disruption.
PHED, he said, has allegedly taken Akwa Ibom residents for granted due to what he described as the people’s high tolerance for poor service delivery, systemic failure and weak accountability.
He argued that the situation persists because many residents prefer to complain in silence or privately rather than take collective and lawful action to demand better services from the distribution company.
The lawyer also expressed disappointment with the Akwa Ibom State Government, faulting it for failing to effectively call PHED to order and ensure a noticeable improvement in electricity supply across the state.
Effiong called on Akwa Ibom residents to begin peaceful protests against PHED to compel the company to fulfill its obligations to electricity consumers in the state.
He added:”It is unacceptable that Akwa Ibom state government has not been able to call this company to order, and ensure that there is improvement in power supply in the state.Akwa Ibom people should start protesting against this useless company.”
