By Ahmed Rahma
An energy company, Ikeja Electric (IE) Plc has charged one Mr Saheed Olanrewaju, also known as Usama, to court for allegedly stabbing one of its employees, Mr Popoola Olakunle, on the head.
It was said that the suspect attacked the electricity distribution company’s staff while carrying out his lawful duty of duty at Oladeroun area, New Oko-Oba in Fagba area Lagos last week.
While arraigning Usman in court on Friday, it was disclosed that the accused person resides on 12, Abiodun Street, Iju-Ishaga in Fagba.
On Tuesday, March 16, Usama, with the assistance of the traditional ruler’s team, was apprehended and handed over to the Oko-Oba police station for immediate prosecution.
Reacting to the incident, the Head of Corporate Communications Ikeja Electric, Mr Felix Ofulue, cautioned against the continuous assault on IE field staff, stressing that the company has a strong commitment to the safety and wellbeing of its employees and will not compromise in its efforts to safeguard this commitment.
“Ikeja Electric will continue to condemn these attack on its employees in strong terms.
“While we understand that there may be sentiments regarding utility services can be quite emotive, we maintain that wanton attacks on our staff are completely irrational, irresponsible and unproductive, especially where Ikeja Electric has provided multiple channels through which our customers can lodge formal complaints with respect to our service.
“Where responses from these channels are deemed unsatisfactory, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has also set up a robust forum office for the redress of customer complaints,” he said.
He further said, “In the interest of the safety of our employees and for a harmonious relationship with our customers, Ikeja Electric will continue the deliberate engagement of all stakeholders in flashpoint areas to find ways to amicably resolve all pertinent issues of concern to its customers and communities.
“However, where these attacks persist, Ikeja Electric Plc, in line with her obligation to provide service under a conducive atmosphere to its customers, will as a matter of course, continue to escalate such matters to law enforcement agencies and will promptly withdraw its services from communities and customers that prove too hostile to operate in.”
“We wish to, therefore, urge all stakeholders, community leaders, leaders of youth groups and all persons of interest to remain mindful of these matters and adopt a more civil approach to engagements as all parties are deserving of reciprocal respect and regard as espoused by all laws.
“While there may be concerns and disputes arising from time to time, we remain committed to finding long-lasting peaceful resolutions in the equitable interests of all parties,” he said.
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Adedapo Adesanya