The Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Osamwonyi Atu, has blamed repeated vandalism of electricity infrastructure for the prolonged blackout affecting several communities in his constituency.
He said the situation has dragged on for over 15 years, leaving areas like Abudu without stable power supply despite ongoing intervention efforts.
Speaking in Benin City on Monday, Atu explained that work to restore electricity to about seven affected communities had already commenced but has suffered major setbacks due to sabotage.
He noted that critical components installed for the project were repeatedly destroyed or stolen, slowing down progress and delaying completion.
He said, “I promised during my campaign that, by the grace of God, we would bring light and other development to our communities.
”Though my tenure is not up to three years, l have started the project, but we are facing constraints. While working, some individuals vandalise the cables,” he said.
The lawmaker assured residents that he remains committed to completing the electrification project before the end of his tenure. He stressed that despite the challenges, steps are being taken to secure infrastructure and ensure that the work is not abandoned.
Atu, who represents Orhionmwon East Constituency, also alleged that opposition members attempted to disrupt his recent re-election campaign flag-off. He said the situation was handled calmly without escalation.
“Some members of the opposition tried to be funny by bringing a protest to our rally. We do not believe in violence. We engaged them, but they were ready to fight while we were not,” he said.
He added that the event eventually went on as planned, with strong turnout from supporters, particularly young people in the area.
The deputy speaker described his performance in office as measurable and visible across the constituency. According to him, development projects have been spread across all wards, with residents able to confirm their existence.
“There is no ward that I have not touched in terms of projects. I told my people to speak if I had not delivered, and they confirmed the projects were there,” he said.
He listed several projects executed under his watch. These include the building and renovation of schools, installation of solar-powered street lights, drilling of boreholes, and construction of community halls. He also pointed to interventions in Abudu, Igbanke, and surrounding communities, especially in water supply and education support.
On education, Atu disclosed that he has sponsored over 100 students through scholarships, even before assuming office. He said beneficiaries are studying in institutions such as the University of Benin and other tertiary schools across the country.
“I have awarded over 100 scholarships, even before becoming a member of the Assembly. Beneficiaries are in institutions like the University of Benin and other tertiary institutions,” he said.
He further explained that some of the beneficiaries have already graduated, while others are still in school under fully funded arrangements that cover tuition, accommodation, and other expenses.
Reaffirming his commitment to public service, Atu said his focus remains on improving the welfare of his constituents and sustaining development efforts in the area.
“All these projects are verifiable. I will continue to give back to my people as long as I am in office,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Benin South Regional Head of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, Henry Dafe, confirmed that the electrification project had reached an advanced stage before the incident. He revealed that vandals removed key materials, including copper wires, lightning arresters, and galvanized pipes, causing significant delays.
“The vandalism caused a severe setback to the project because it had been due for commissioning in December last year,” Edafe noted.