Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Osamwonyi Atu, representing Orhionwmon East Constituency, has heaped the blames of blackout in his constituency on the activities of vandals.
Hon. Atu said the power intervention covering about seven communities—an issue lingering for over 15 years, has suffered setbacks due to the destruction of critical infrastructure.
“I promised during my campaign to bring light and development to our people. Though my tenure is not yet up to three years, we have started the project,
”But we are facing constraints. Some individuals vandalise cables while work was ongoing,” he said.
Atu further appealed to members of constituency to remain patient, assuring them that efforts are underway to complete the project before the end of his tenure.
Speaking on his recent re-election flag-off, the lawmaker accused opposition elements of attempting to disrupt the exercise.
“Some opposition members brought a protest to our rally. We did not engage in violence. We managed the situation, and the flag-off was successful,” he said.
Atu described his scorecard as “transparent and verifiable,” insisting he has made key interventions to include school construction and renovation, boreholes, street and solar lighting, as well as community halls across Abudu, Igbanke and other areas.
The deputy speaker also said he has awarded over 100 scholarships, with beneficiaries in institutions including the University of Benin.
Meanwhile, the Benin South Regional Head of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), Engr. Henry Dafe, said the project, which began in 2025, was nearing completion before it was vandalised.
According to him, thieves damaged key components, including copper wires, lightning arresters and galvanised pipes.
“The incident caused a major setback to the project which was due for commissioning in December last year,” he said.
