Akakan Umoh
The member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr. Unyime Idem, has cracked down on fraudsters purportedly extorting N20,000 illegal electricity fee from each of the beneficiary of the federal constituency.
Idem, also the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Public Procurement singlehandedly sponsored the electricity project, has halted the racket, telling the electricity consumers in Ukanafun and Oruk Anam to stay away from the fraudsters.
After spending billions of Naira to send away darkness from the two local government areas that wallowed in darkness for over 15 years, some fraudulent individuals parading themselves as electricians have moved into the field to extort from unsuspecting members of the public.
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A press release from Office of the Member Representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency issued Friday, 17 April says ‘‘The attention of the Member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency and, Rep. Unyime Idem, Ph.D. has been drawn to the information that some fraudulent individuals are parading themselves as electricians and demanding the sum of ₦20,000 as a purported registration fee for electricity connection in communities captured under the first phase of the ongoing electricity rehabilitation and restoration project.’’
According to the release, ‘‘the lawmaker categorically states that he has not authorized any individual or group to collect money from constituents for electricity connection. The project is being executed free of charge to beneficiaries, and no payment whatsoever is required for connection to the public power supply.
‘‘Constituents are, therefore, strongly advised to disregard such fraudulent demands and to remain vigilant. Anyone found engaging in such illegal activities should be promptly reported to the appropriate security agencies for necessary action.’’
Rep. Idem emphasizes that the electricity project is fully financed as a personal sacrifice, aimed at bringing comfort, relief, and improved living conditions to the people of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency after over 18 years of power outage.
However, households are expected to bear only the cost of their internal wiring and replacement of appliances that may have become faulty due to prolonged disuse. No other payments are required.
While communities captured in the first phase of the project are currently enjoying steady electricity, the federal lawmaker further informs constituents that plans are at an advanced stage for the commencement of the second phase of the electricity restoration project. Communities that will benefit from this next phase will be officially announced soon.
The Federal Lawmaker is, therefore, charging constituents whose communities are not captured in the first phase of the project to exercise patience, reiterating that the electricity rehabilitation and restoration project will continue in phases until ALL THE COMMUNITIES ACROSS UKANAFUN/ORUK ANAM FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY ARE COVERED, and that NO COMMUNITY WILL BE LEFT BEHIND.
Rep. Idem reassures the people of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency of his unwavering commitment to their welfare, noting that he is working tirelessly to attract more life-changing dividends of democracy that will continue to uplift and improve the standard of living across the constituency.
