Ozoro Substation Controversy: Income Electrix Denies Neglect, Blames Bureaucratic Delays
OZORO/Nigeria: The ongoing controversy surrounding the arrest of popular comedian, Mr. Ajiri-Oghene Otagba, popularly known as MC2 Kingdom Comedy, has sparked heated debates within the Isoko Nation. The unfolding events, particularly the allegations of project abandonment leveled against Income Electrix Limited, have drawn widespread attention. However, the company has now come forward to provide clarity on the matter, dispelling what it describes as misinformation about its commitment to infrastructure development in the Isoko region.
Income Electrix Limited, in a statement addressing the situation, expressed disappointment over the misleading claims, noting that while the reactions from the public were understandable, they were largely fueled by a lack of knowledge of the true facts. The company emphasized its long-standing dedication to the infrastructural growth of Isoko, particularly with its involvement in the 1x30MVA, 132/33KV Transmission Substation in Ozoro, which has been at the center of the controversy.
Tracing the history of the project, Income Electrix Limited revealed that the substation was initially conceptualized in 2006 under the Delta State IPP Committee, during the administration of former Governor James Ibori. However, upon the assumption of office by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan in 2007, the project faced setbacks due to funding constraints. In a bid to ensure its continuation, the company successfully lobbied for the project’s inclusion in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) budget, with the backing of notable politicians such as Hon. Nicholas Mutu and Senator James Manager. The scope of the project was also expanded from 1x15MVA to 1x30MVA to accommodate future electricity demands.
The Company in a statement released, and Made available by the Press Unit, stated that, despite significant progress on various components of the project—including the completion of the Oghara and Afiesere substations—the Ozoro substation suffered repeated acts of vandalism. The absence of a 132KV transmission line from Afiesere to Ozoro, which was initially awarded to News Engineering Limited but lacked funding from the Delta State Government, further hampered the project’s completion. Income Electrix Limited continued its advocacy, successfully transferring the transmission line project to NDDC in 2016, with contractors subsequently engaged for its execution. However, bureaucratic hurdles within the NDDC and delays in opening Letters of Credit for the procurement of essential materials have stalled the project’s completion.
The company reaffirmed that its leadership remains committed to the completion of the Ozoro substation, highlighting the efforts of Senator Joel-Onowakpor Thomas, who has been instrumental in securing budgetary allocations for the project. The statement clarified that Income Electrix Limited has never abandoned its responsibilities and that delays have been due to circumstances beyond its control.
On the issue of MC2 Kingdom Comedy’s allegations, the company recounted that after the comedian’s initial video in December 2023 accusing them of neglect, its leadership reached out to provide factual updates. Despite the explanation, the comedian allegedly demanded financial compensation to alter his stance, which the company refused. Following this, MC2 Kingdom Comedy released another, more damaging video, prompting the company’s legal team to file a petition with the Inspector General of Police’s office for cyber harassment.
The company denied having a direct hand in the comedian’s arrest, stating that it merely sought legal redress to protect its reputation. Income Electrix Limited asserted that the petition was filed to counter deliberate misinformation that was affecting its international business dealings, stressing that it remains committed to the Isoko people and to seeing the Ozoro project through to completion.
Reaffirming its long-standing contributions to the electrification of Isoko communities, the company pointed out that its Managing Director, Matthew Edevbie, had been instrumental in bringing electricity to 42 towns in Isoko as far back as 1986. According to the company, its dedication to the region remains unwavering despite the challenges faced.
As the controversy continues to generate discussions, Income Electrix Limited has urged the Isoko people and the general public to seek the truth before drawing conclusions, reiterating its commitment to transparency, development, and the successful completion of the Ozoro substation for the benefit of the community.
