The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has expressed grave concern while condemning Thursday’s attack by personnel of the Nigerian Air Force on the headquarters of the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company which left journalists and several workers injured with facilities and equipment vandalised.
A statement by the Special Adviser, Strategic Communications to the minister, Bolaji Tunji, on Friday said the attack calls for concern in view of the ramifications.
Tunji added that the current democratic practice has appropriate channels for conflict resolutions rather than resorting to self-help.
“The attack on the facilities of Ikeja Electric, one of our nation’s critical power distribution companies, by the Nigerian Air Force is unfortunate and a matter of grave concern to our nation while standing totally condemned.
“This unfortunate incident has also raised serious questions about the need for restraint, dialogue, and the use of appropriate democratic channels in resolving conflicts,” Adelabu said.
The minister noted that the power sector is the lifeblood of the nation’s economy and a cornerstone of national development.
“Any attack on its infrastructure is an attack on the progress and well-being of our people. The facilities of Ikeja Electric, which serve millions of Nigerians, were designed to ensure the efficient distribution of electricity to homes, hospitals, schools, and industries including military installations.
“This incident has set back our efforts to achieve stable and uninterrupted power supply, and it is a blow to the collective aspirations of our nation,” he stated.
Adelabu emphasised that no grievance, no matter how legitimate, justifies the destruction of public infrastructure or violence against civilians, saying such actions are counterproductive and only serve to exacerbate the challenges faced as a nation.
“We must always remember that violence and destruction are not the answer to our problems. Instead, we must embrace dialogue, understanding, and the rule of law as the only viable means of resolving conflicts.
“I call on all parties involved to exercise restraint and to seek peaceful and democratic means of addressing all issues that may have led to this unfortunate incident. Our democracy provides us with the tools and institutions necessary to resolve disputes without resorting to violence.
“We have the judiciary, the legislature, and various regulatory bodies empowered to mediate and adjudicate conflicts. It is imperative that we utilise these channels to ensure that justice is served and that such incidents do not recur,” he advised.
The minister urged the Nigerian Air Force to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and to ensure that its operations are conducted with utmost regard for the welfare of civilians and public infrastructure.
“The military is a vital institution in our nation, and its role in maintaining peace and security cannot be overstated. However, it is equally important that all actions taken by our armed forces are proportionate, targeted, and in line with the principles of democracy and the rule of law,” he said.
Adelabu also commended the staff and management of the Ikeja electricity distribution company for their resilience in the face of provocation.
“Your comportment in the face of this adversity is a testament to your dedication to serving the Nigerian people. The Federal Ministry of Power stands ready to support you in any way possible to ensure that normalcy is restored as quickly as possible.
The minister enjoined stakeholders in the power sector to work together in harmony.
Men and officers of the Air Force from the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base in Ikeja, Lagos invaded the headquarters of IKEDC on Thursday to brutalise workers and vandalise property.
Led by a young woman and other men mufti, the NAF operatives were at IKEDC to vent their anger over the disconnection of their base as a result of N4bn debt.
Our correspondent, who was also at the premises for a media assignment was brutalised alongside a TVC cameraman.
Meanwhile, the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors said it will not relent until justice is served.
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