In the wake of a four-day power outage in Akwa Ibom, the state-owned power company, Ibom Power Limited, and its gas supplier, Accugas Limited—a subsidiary of Savannah Energy—have been engaged in a blame game regarding the cause of the disruption.
Former Managing Director of Ibom Power Company, Engr. Meyen Etukudoh, attributed the blackout to Accugas’s failure to supply gas due to outstanding debt payments. In a statement, Etukudoh accused Accugas of deliberately withholding gas and being uncooperative in resolving the issues during discussions, suggesting that the company aimed to undermine the state government’s efforts.
Following Etukudoh’s remarks, the Akwa Ibom State government, through Secretary to the State Government Prince Enobong Uwah, issued a dismissal letter to him without providing specific reasons. This decision has sparked controversy, with some viewing it as an unjust response to Etukudoh’s candidness, while others believe it was justified, arguing that his comments were intended to embarrass the governor and disclose the state’s debt situation to Accugas.
Reports indicate that while gas supply to Ibom Power was temporarily halted due to payment issues, Savannah has since resumed supply. However, the power plants remain inoperable due to their poor condition.
In response, Savannah Energy countered Ibom Power’s claims, asserting that the power outage in Akwa Ibom was solely due to a fault in the 132 kVA Aba-Itu Transmission Line, which has hindered the transmission of power from the National Grid to the state.
Accugas’s Communications Manager, Okwudili Onyia, stated, “Accugas Limited, a subsidiary of Savannah Energy, strongly denies the misinformation regarding its alleged role in the current power outage in Akwa Ibom State. The power cut is entirely due to the reported fault in the 132-KV Aba-Itu transmission line, which is unfortunately preventing power from being transmitted from the National Grid into the state.
“Since 2014, Accugas has been the sole gas supplier to IPC in Akwa Ibom and, along with other Savannah subsidiaries, has invested over $1.5 billion in gas development within the state.”
As of the latest update, power has been restored in Akwa Ibom.
