By Simeon OSAJIE
There was palpable tension in Benin City, Edo State capital on Monday as residents of Uteh Koko Community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the state staged a protest to the Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Press Centre on Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion Way, GRA., over alleged irregularities in the management of funds contributed for the purchase of a transformer.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Amiodo Ifeanyi said the crisis stemmed from a collective decision by over 300 households to contribute N40,000 each to acquire a new transformer aimed at improving electricity supply in the community.
The initiative, handled by a six-member committee, reportedly generated about N12.16 million from approximately 304 contributors.
He explained that while the initial agreement was to procure a brand-new transformer, the process reportedly took a different turn after the committee was informed of the availability of a 500KVA transformer allegedly facilitated by an unnamed public official.
According to residents, the committee subsequently approved the purchase of the transformer for N6 million, a decision said to be the last taken at a general meeting involving the landlord and landlady forum.
Concerns intensified after the delivery of the transformer, with several residents alleging that the equipment was unsuitable for residential use and may have been designed for industrial purposes, raising questions about its efficiency for domestic electricity distribution.
The development has triggered widespread dissatisfaction within the community, as contributors question both the transparency of the procurement process and the justification for the expenditure, particularly in view of the significant balance expected from the total funds raised.
Members of the committee identified by residents include Henry Eddo, Ikenna Zion, and Solomont Friday, although the full composition comprises six individuals entrusted with overseeing the project.
The protesters are now demanding a comprehensive financial account and an independent review of the entire process, including clarification on procurement decisions and the current status of the remaining funds.
They also called on relevant authorities and stakeholders to intervene to ensure accountability and restore confidence in the community-driven project.
Responding to the protesters, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, Comrade (Dr) Festus Alenkhe, urged the protesters to remain peaceful and not allow infiltrators to hijack the protest.
Reacting to the allegations, Chairman of the Uteh Koko Landlords Association, Henry Edo, denied any wrongdoing, stating that he and other committee members were being victimised over the matter.