Adebayo Adelabu, the minister of power, has condemned an attack by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) in its headquarters on Thursday.
In a statement on Friday by Bolaji Tunji, the special adviser, strategic communications to the minister, Adelabu said the attack left several injured and facilities and equipment vandalised.
On Thursday, air force personnel invaded IKEDC’s headquarters in Lagos over the disconnection of electricity at Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, Ikeja, Lagos state.
Adelabu said the attack is unfortunate and a grave concern, adding that democratic practices offer channels for conflict resolution, discouraging self-help measures.
”This unfortunate incident has also raised serious questions about the need for restraint, dialogue, and the use of appropriate democratic channels in resolving conflicts,” he said.
The minister noted that the power sector is the lifeblood of the nation’s economy and a cornerstone of national development, and any attack on its infrastructure “is an attack on the progress and well-being of our people”.
“The facilities of Ikeja Electric, which serve millions of Nigerians, were designed to ensure the efficient distribution of electricity to homes, hospitals, schools, and industries, including military installations,” Adelabu said.
“This incident has set back our efforts to achieve stable and uninterrupted power supply, and it is a blow to the collective aspirations of our nation.”
He further said no grievance, no matter how legitimate, justified the destruction of public infrastructure.
“Such actions are counterproductive and only serve to exacerbate the challenges we face as a nation,” Adelabu said.
“We must always remember that violence and destruction are not the answer to our problems. Instead, we must embrace dialogue, understanding, and the rule of law as the only viable means of resolving conflicts.
“I call on all parties involved to exercise restraint and to seek peaceful and democratic means of addressing all issues that may have led to this unfortunate incident.
”Our democracy provides us with the tools and institutions necessary to resolve disputes without resorting to violence.
”We have the judiciary, the legislature, and various regulatory bodies that are empowered to mediate and adjudicate conflicts.
“It is imperative that we utilise these channels to ensure that justice is served and that such incidents do not recur.”
Earlier today, IKEDC said it has reached an agreement with the NAF over the settlement of a N4 billion debt that led to the disconnection.
The minister asked the NAF to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and to ensure that its operations are conducted with the utmost regard for the welfare of civilians and public infrastructure
According to him, the military is a vital institution in Nigeria, and its role in maintaining peace and security cannot be overstated.
”However, it is equally important that all actions taken by our armed forces are proportionate, targeted, and in line with the principles of democracy and the rule of law,” he said.
Adelabu also commended the staff and management of IKEDC for their resilience in the face of provocation.
“Your comportment in the face of this adversity is a testament to your dedication to serving the Nigerian people,” he said.
”The ministry of power is ready to support you in any way possible to ensure that normalcy is restored as quickly as possible”.
Adelabu enjoined stakeholders in the power sector to work together in harmony by prioritising collaboration over conflict, dialogue over discord, and unity over division.
He said the challenges faced in the power sector were significant, but they are not insurmountable, adding that with a shared commitment to the common good, it can be overcome.
Adelabu called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in their commitment to peace, unity, and progress.
The minister asked Nigerians to reject violence and embrace democracy, dialogue, and mutual respect to build a nation where conflicts are resolved peacefully.
