Vandalization Of Street Lights In Epe Is Politically Motivated – Ex-Lawmaker

– Former lawmaker, Hon Fariu-Arebi, has lamented vandalisation of street lights in Epe, Lagos state 

– Fariu-Arebi disclosed that the vandalisation in the area is politically motivated

– According to him, the evil act is carried out to spite the immediate past governor of the state, Akinwunmi Ambode

Former House Of Representatives in Epe, Hon. Adeleke Fariu-Arebi, has decried the removal of the cables supplying power to the street lights in the community, harping on the imperativeness of the lights in the community.

Fariu-Arebi who registered his displeasure and that of the entire Epe community while speaking with EkoHot Blog reporter on the issue, alleged that the vandalization was politically motivated.

He further alleged that, those who were responsible for the vandalization did it purposely to spite the immediate past governor of the state, Akinwunmi Ambode who is an indigene of the community.

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He said: “The street lights were installed by the Ambode Administration along with generators to power same.

“This was the well spread practice in Lagos state under Ambode’s administration. The aim was to electrify all major streets in the state

“The importance of street lights in any community, more especially in a community like Epe that has continued to suffer lack of electricity in our homes for over 15years till date can not be overemphasized.

“It is a necessity and you can’t imagine how much we value and appreciate the Lagos state government for installing it in our community as part of the “Light Up Lagos” project of the immediate past administration of His Excellency Akinwunmi Ibidapo Ambode.

“It is a game changer for Epe, socially, economically and even spiritually.”

Arebi however, noted that the diesel supply to the generators became inconsistent during the transition from the last administration to the present. He added that it was getting worse as the days rolled by and things came to a head as the new administration days grew longer.

According to him, “By the 100 days in office of this administration, it has become obvious that we are in for a raw deal on this street light project in Epe. Reports started filtering in that some of the cables connecting the lights were being vandalized by some unknown people. That was the assumption at first before the realization that it wasn’t but a sanctioned or authorized removal from the official quarter in Lagos government.

“I don’t know if this can be described as one of the achievements of the new administration in its 100days in office for want of a better qualification”, he noted.

The former lawmaker accused the state government of removing the cables even though denied.

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“Considering the issue of who were the people removing the cables and generators, it can not be put beyond the Lagos state government even though they have denied such allegations.

“I personally called one of the engineers on the project when the road construction was going on, he denied that the ministry has any clue about who gave the other.

“Yes, the ministry of works and infrastructure superintended over the project and probably the Lagos State Electricity Board but such decision to remove the cables and generators is of course beyond the ministry.

“Why I am skeptical about the denial is that, till now, no official statement was made nor press release from the government on the issue which happened over a month, except for words filtering in from social media.

“The contractor “Crain Burg” whose personnel and equipment were arrested when alarm was raised about the removal, had soldiers and police men guiding them while they embarked on the illegal removal.

“They Say when it rains, it pours, that has been the lot of our community’s once it became obvious former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was not getting a chance to run for second terme, and was not going to rock nor jump boat,” the former lawmaker said.

“On the particular day when the culprit were apprehended, it was the local government chairman that the youth alerted who immediately reached out to the contractors, one George by name who was said to have denied knowledge of the action to remove the generators and cables. You can imagine what the reaction of the gathering crowd will be at such situation.

“One thing is certain, despite accepting that the loss of the second term ticket is a reality and so, nerves are still sore and palpable discontent still pervades the air in the community . So, coming at this time now to illegally remove the cables supplying light in the community, it’s like rubbing salt on injury.

“While narrating the grievous effect of vandalization on the community, Arebi pointed out that since the unfortunate incident, street stealing at night has been the order of the day.

“The hitherto advantages the street lights brought to the community before vandalization have all been reversed.

“More cases of stealing in the night and removal of vehicle parts amongst other misdemeanors are on the increase in the community now.

“CDAs are now recruiting security guards as increasing report of burglary and break-in are now daily occurrence.”

However, investigation by our reporters confirmed that, the vandalized cables are now being restored in the community. This reinstallation work started on Wednesday as the engineering firm which was alleged to have uninstalled the cables have moved down their equipment to the community for the reinstallation. As at the time of filling this report, the reinstallation works are still on going in the community.

This development was also confirmed by Hon Arebi.

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