The Orlu Political Consultative Assembly (OPOCA) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), accusing the power distributor of sabotaging Imo State’s efforts to break its long-standing electricity monopoly. The group warned that if EEDC does not withdraw what it called “retrogressive and treacherous plots” against the state’s new power initiative, the company will be forced out of Imo.
OPOCA’s outrage follows reports that stakeholders allegedly linked to EEDC, are working to undermine the takeoff of the newly introduced Orashi Electricity Company — a flagship project of Governor Hope Uzodimma aimed at ending years of widespread power failures, extortionate billing, and chronic disconnection across the state.
The group hailed the Uzodimma administration for taking advantage of the Federal Government’s deregulation of the power sector, which now allows states to generate, distribute, and supply electricity independently. OPOCA described the launch of Orashi Electricity Company as “a breath of fresh air” capable of delivering 24-hour power supply and reversing years of socioeconomic decline.
According to the group, the new initiative threatens EEDC’s long-standing grip on the state, prompting what it described as “desperate and malicious pushback” from the company. OPOCA said EEDC has no moral basis to resist competition after allegedly subjecting Imo residents to more than a decade of erratic supply, inflated bills, and exploitation.
The group accused EEDC of imposing outrageous charges despite failing to provide electricity, maintaining that consumers have been billed even during prolonged blackouts. It also alleged that the company relies on infrastructure—poles, wires, transformers, and public installations—funded by individuals, communities, and government, yet still issues crippling estimated bills.
OPOCA insisted that Imo people are tired of what it called “economic sabotage and wicked monopoly,” stressing that the introduction of Orashi Electricity Company is a long-overdue liberation for residents and businesses crippled by unreliable power. The group warned that Imo citizens will naturally switch to the new provider once stable supply begins.
The organisation also raised concerns about alleged saboteurs within the state who it claims are colluding with EEDC to undermine the new electricity project. OPOCA said these individuals are acting against the collective interest of Imo citizens and vowed to resist any attempt to frustrate the state’s economic recovery.
Describing EEDC’s alleged resistance as “a betrayal Imo people will no longer tolerate,” the group said its mobilisation machinery has been activated to defend the Orashi initiative and ensure uninterrupted progress. OPOCA warned that Imo will no longer serve as “a dumping ground for exploitation and overbilling.”
The socio-political group maintained that EEDC cannot impose its services on residents under any guise, insisting that the era of forced dependence on a single power supplier is over. It reiterated that competition in the electricity market is now a legal right, and Imo people are free to choose their preferred provider.
It further warned that if EEDC fails to halt its alleged disruptive actions within seven days, the company should be ready to shut down operations in Imo. “A stitch in time saves nine,” the group declared, vowing that it will not allow any group or company to sabotage the state’s quest for stable, affordable power.
