Aba (Abia) -The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Aba, Abia has called on the National Assembly to make laws banning electricity companies from extorting consumers through estimated bills and fixed charges.
The Chairman of the chapter, Mr Ken Nwakamma, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Aba on Wednesday that a resolution by the National Assembly which had no legal backing was not enough.
Nwakamma said that what was required was a law to reduce the extortion of the customers.
“I commend the National Assembly for thinking about this power generation and supply payment issue. It is one area that has affected industries, companies and individuals and we should not allow that to continue.
“It is not enough for the National Assembly to make a mere pronouncement on this issue. They should present a bill to cover this area, pass the bill so that the idea of giving Nigerians estimated bills and fixed charges would be outlawed.
“When that is done, it will give Nigerians the platform to go to court and challenge any bill coming from the companies which is contrary to the laid down procedures,” he said.
Nwakamma also charged the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to improve on its power supply to enable the residents of Aba to do their business and feed their families.
He said that it was unacceptable for the company which had been keeping residents in blackout to serve them bills at the end of the month for services not rendered.
Nwakamma pointed out that electricity supply would reduce crime in the city which had been known for kidnapping.
He noted that fighting crime and criminal tendencies were impossible where most people were unemployed, adding that adequate supply of electricity would improve businesses and provide employment.
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The NBA chairman said: “If Aba gets power supply adequately, the place will return to its creative and productive status which had earned it the sobriquet of the Japan of Africa in the past. (NAN)
