By Emmanuel Ekebe
In the past two weeks, the media space, particularly the social media platforms have been on over drive, castigating Charles Ahiedu Aniagwu for his misinformation on national television that the Isoko Nation was enjoying 24 hours uninterrupted power supply.
No doubt, much has been said on the vexing matter and I am sure my good friend, Aniagwu as a seasoned professional journalist would have by now realized that it is not all the time that you go on the defensive.
Image laundering at whatever level demands some modicum of hauntiness, docility, humility and honesty to solve an unfolding challenge without being Gobellian or garrulous.
Similarly, craving understanding and showing empathy is not admission of weakness but an honourable identification with the voice of reason.
It is therefore quite expedient in this circumstance when the facts are not only copious but evidently manifest to all and sundry for the issues to be situated forthrightly without political or ethical superficial colouration.
Apart from the fact that Aniagwu did not do a thorough fact check before appearing on Channels TV, he was not aware that another controverted phase on the same subject matter was unfolding in the same government that he speaks for.
Within the same time, when the ‘Aniagwu Against Isoko gate’ was unfolding, the Delta state Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme had a long meeting with the management team of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) in Asaba.
In that meeting, the Deputy Governor reportedly charged the BEDC to do everything possible to restore power supply to Isoko and Ndokwa Nations.
Of course, Onyeme is from Ndokwa land, our Isoko neighbours and also home to several Isoko communities.
Can it be possible to say that Aniagwu is more informed than the Deputy Governor of the state?
I do know that Sir Onyeme visits home almost every weekend while Aniagwu lives in Asaba though I can guess that his home town, Akumazi in Ika North East local government area does not have 24 hours power supply either.
Perhaps, Aniagwu was probably misled that Uzere, the first Isoko community to establish an independent power plant through communal effort enjoys regular power supply.
He needs to be be informed now that: that project which was facilitated with GMoU funds started well but it is already facing challenges bordering on high cost of maintenance, sustainability, regular gas supply, etc.
In the just over one year existence of the Uzere IPP, the Delta state government did not contribute a dime either in equity, logistics or whatever in aid of it’s operations.
Therefore, Aniagwu cannot and should not claim credit or glory for where the government did not sow.
The reality is that the damage has been done just as broken eggs cannot be assembled again.
The best foot forward now is to rise like the spynx from the ashes of the past to seek remedy by taming the bull.
Taking the humble pie is not an anathema or capitulation, rather a noble course of dignity and acknowledgement of human infallibility.
Mr. Commissioner should quickly retract while the Delta state government do a fast liaison with the NDDC on actualizing the abandoned 133/22kv in Ozoro.
This is the panacea to the endemic power supply problem in Isoko land and all hands must be on deck to tame this ranging bull for once.
Meanwhile, let’s desist from decipating energy to escalate our differences on this issue.
We need each other and must remain united to drive the project to fruition.
It is the best way for the Isoko nation to reap some returns from our humongous contribution to the national Commonwealth.
God bless Isoko land.
