By Ben Ekezie
Residents and business owners at Mopol 20 Police Barracks, Ikeja, have given up on the possibility of using electricity soon,following their inability to pay power bill.
Naija Police & U learnt that the barracks which house so many policemen, their families and business centres had their power cut off three weeks ago over unpaid N7million bill. All efforts to restore the light failed as the Ikeja electricity officials insisted that no amount of intimidation will make them reconnect the light except bills are paid.
Lamenting their plight , a business owner begged government to intervene in the matter as they cannot afford to continue buying fuel endlessly. According to him: They said the entire Mopol 20 barracks is owing N7million and I don’t know where they want us to find money to pay such a huge amount.
“They said we have not paid for years but some persons have been coming here to collect money from us in the name of electricity bill. They asked to simply pray and we complied.”
A resident who is a wife to an Inspector, assured that the matter will be settled soon, saying, “ I am not worried at all because this is not the first time such a thing was happening.
“NEPA people will soon enter into trouble and they will come to Area F to lodge their complain. “It is then we will have our light back. They should know that police is the least paid and should even enjoy electricity free.
“In the past , we would have dealt with them but we are civilized now and will wait for them to enter our trap.”
A staff of Ikeja electricity company who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that law enforcers especially policemen are one of their heaviest debtors, adding, “if you cut their light they would reconnect it illegally. “What they are doing is illegal because the Inspector General of Police will not tolerate it .
“I work in an electricity company yet , I pay my bill as and when due.
“If they can come up with at least half of the money, I am sure that our managers will reconnect their light.”
