Poor Power Supply: Yauri, Zuru Consumers Demand Accountability as Kebbi Panel Holds Town Hall Meetings
By Aliyu Usman, Birnin Kebbi
Kebbi State – Nigeria News Today | The Bureau News
Residents of Yauri and Zuru emirates in Kebbi State have demanded accountability, fairness, and transparency in electricity distribution as the state government intensifies efforts to address persistent power supply challenges.
The concerns were raised during separate town hall meetings held in Yauri and Zuru by the Critical Stakeholders Investigation Panel constituted by the Kebbi State Government to examine the root causes of epileptic power supply across the state.
Speaking during the engagement, the Chairman of the panel, Alhaji Usman Abubakar Gwandu, said the committee had embarked on consultations across major emirates to gather firsthand information from traditional rulers, residents, and officials of the Kaduna Electric Distribution Company (KEDCO).
According to him, the panel was mandated by Governor Nasir Idris to investigate the lingering electricity challenges and recommend practical solutions that would ensure improved and stable power supply for residents.
“We are here to listen to the people, understand the challenges, and work towards realistic solutions that will guarantee better electricity supply across Kebbi State,” Gwandu stated.
Emirates Decry Poor Electricity Supply
In their separate remarks, the Emir of Yauri, Alhaji Zayyanu Abdullahi, and the Emir of Zuru expressed deep concern over the prolonged power outages, describing the situation as detrimental to economic and social development.
The royal fathers alleged that inefficiencies within the electricity distribution system have significantly contributed to the problem, with claims that a large percentage of the challenges could be linked to operational lapses.
Represented by the Majidadin Zuru, Alhaji Ummaru Isa, the Emir of Zuru called on the state government to develop a comprehensive four-year electricity master plan aimed at delivering sustainable solutions.
Residents Highlight Billing and Infrastructure Concerns
Community members who spoke during the sessions highlighted several issues, including estimated billing, inadequate power supply, and the failure to replace damaged electrical infrastructure such as transformers and poles.
They noted that, unlike in the past when such infrastructure was maintained by the distribution company, the burden now largely falls on government and local communities.
The residents urged KEDCO to adopt fairness and transparency in its operations, stressing that consumers deserve value for their payments.
Security Agencies Call for Protection of Infrastructure
The Deputy Corps Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, DC Florence Adepojiu, advised residents to safeguard public infrastructure, emphasizing that protecting government investments is a collective responsibility.
KEDCO Responds to Complaints
Responding to the concerns, the Yauri District Manager of KEDCO, represented by Engineer Iliiya Danjuma, acknowledged the complaints raised by stakeholders.
He assured participants that all issues discussed would be forwarded to the company’s management for prompt attention and necessary action.
The ongoing consultations, according to The Bureau News, form part of broader efforts by the Kebbi State Government to address electricity challenges and improve service delivery across the state.
