The Kogi State House of Assembly has called on the state government to urgently restore public electricity supply to Ankpa Local Government Area, which has been in total blackout for over a year.
This resolution followed a motion moved during plenary on Friday by the lawmaker representing Ankpa I State Constituency, Hon. Lawal Akus, who described the situation as a severe developmental crisis with far-reaching implications.
“Ankpa, the commercial hub of Kogi East, and its surrounding communities remain without electricity, exposing residents to worsening economic hardship and daily suffering,” Hon. Akus lamented.
He noted that the blackout has crippled small businesses, hampered healthcare delivery, and disrupted education across the area.
“Businesses are shutting down, hospitals are struggling to store essential medications and vaccines, and schools are unable to function in modern learning environments. We cannot remain silent while thousands of our constituents continue to suffer,” he stressed.
Akus further explained that Ankpa LGA, one of the most populous and economically significant areas in Kogi East Senatorial District, covers about 1,200 square kilometres with a population of 267,353 as of the 2006 census.
According to him, the community was previously connected to a 33kV transmission line from Otukpo in Benue State, which was grossly inadequate due to its distance and multiple offshoot connections.
“The Otukpo line, which serves Ankpa after 26 other points, also feeds Omala and Olamaboro LGAs. This configuration made it practically impossible to deliver stable power,” Akus noted.
He stated that a baseline assessment later recommended a more efficient supply route from Ajaokuta via Anyigba, which was adopted and partially upgraded in 2022 and 2023, resulting in brief power restoration. However, that too collapsed, leading to the current prolonged blackout.
To address the situation, Hon. Akus urged the Ministry of Rural Development to collaborate with the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to restore supply through the Ajaokuta–Anyigba–Ankpa transmission route. He specifically requested the replacement of damaged cross arms and poles, especially between Egume and Opulega.
The lawmaker also appealed for the provision of key infrastructure including:Transformers,
500kVA for Balewa Road, Otukpo Road, Ona Ogaji, Olubojo, Angwa, Opulega, Allor 50kVA : Opposite Achimi Adaji (Sabongari), Liberia, Owelle, Angwa Hausawa, Ojogobi Road, Concrete poles, 20 poles, Ejeh Palace to Governor’s Lodge, 23 poles, St. Charles College to Ogaji Village,b45 poles, Ankpa Motor Park to College of Education, Armoured cables, for reconnections at Governor’s Lodge, Ojede, Owelle Primary School, Ibrahim Taiwo Road, and Ankpa General Hospital.
Hon. Akus further urged Governor Usman Ododo to engage the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to expedite the completion of the abandoned National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) in Ankpa, which includes two 7.5MVA injection substations.
The motion received wide support across party lines. Hon. Alewo Ujah Anthony, representing Olamaboro State Constituency, seconded the motion and echoed the call for urgent government intervention.
In separate contributions, Hon. Sunday Dakku (Bassa), Hon. Bode Ogunmola (Ogori-Magongo), and Hon. Idris Aliyu (Kogi-Koton Karfe) all decried the negative impact the blackout has had on economic activities in Ankpa.
Other lawmakers, including Hon. Umar Yahaya (Omala), Hon. Shehu Tijani (Lokoja I), Hon. Jibrin Abu (Ajaokuta), and Hon. Seyi Bello (Kabba-Bunu), also backed the motion, stressing the need for swift action to calm rising public frustration.
Our Kogi State Correspondent, reports that Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Umar Aliyu, expressed deep concern over the power situation and urged the executive arm to act swiftly in the interest of the affected residents.
He then directed the Clerk of the House to immediately transmit the Assembly’s resolution to the Executive and relevant government agencies for prompt action.
Copyright: Fresh Angle International (www.freshangleng.com)
ISSN 2354 - 4104
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