Key Takeaways
- The Sobe community in Edo State has been without electricity for over eight years
- Speaker Blessing Agbebaku had promised to restore power, but the community remains in darkness
- The community has appealed to the Speaker for fairness and the fulfillment of promises
The Sobe community in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State is at loggerheads with the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, over the delayed restoration of electricity supply to the community. The residents have expressed their disappointment and frustration over the prolonged power outage, which has lasted for more than eight years.
According to the community, they have received repeated assurances from the Speaker over the past three years that power would be restored, but to no avail. In a letter addressed to Agbebaku, the community stated that they had been met with consistent appeals for patience, despite the Speaker's promises to donate N1 million to the community and work with Governor Monday Okpebholo to restore electricity before December.
Community's Appeal
The community's letter, signed by Prince Ogbeta Joseph, emphasized that they were not seeking special treatment, but rather asking not to be forgotten. The letter read in part: “This letter is not written to attack your person or diminish your achievements. It is a sincere appeal from a loyal community asking only for fairness, inclusion and the fulfilment of promises freely made.”
In response to the community's allegations, Speaker Agbebaku stated that the Sobe electrification project had not been abandoned and remained a priority. He explained that due process required the project to be captured in the state budget before execution could begin, and that technical assessments and cost estimates had already been completed and submitted to relevant authorities.
Agbebaku further stated that the project was being processed for inclusion in the 2027 fiscal year budget, which would be presented later this year. The project involves the extension of electricity from Sabongidda-Ora to Sobe and is a major capital infrastructure undertaking.
In conclusion, the dispute between the Sobe community and Speaker Agbebaku highlights the need for effective communication and follow-through on promises made to communities. The community's persistence in seeking a resolution to the power outage is a testament to their determination to have their voices heard.
Why This Matters
The prolonged power outage in Sobe community has significant implications for the livelihoods and well-being of its residents, and it is essential that the Speaker and relevant authorities take prompt action to address the issue. The community's appeal for fairness and inclusion serves as a reminder of the importance of fulfilling promises and maintaining transparency in governance.