Adelabu condemns attack on Ikeja DisCo, urges dialogue to resolve conflicts

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has condemned the attack on the headquarters and facilities of the Ikeja Electric Distribution Company (IKEDC) by personnel of the Nigerian Air Force on Thursday.

In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications, Bolaji Tunji, Adelabu said that the attack, which left several injured and facilities and equipment vandalised, calls for concern, adding that the current democratic practice has appropriate channels for conflict resolution rather than resorting to self-help.

He said, “The attack on the facilities of Ikeja Electric, one of our nation’s critical power distribution companies, by the Nigerian Air Force is unfortunate and a matter of grave concern to our nation while standing totally condemned.

“This unfortunate incident has also raised serious questions about the need for restraint, dialogue, and the use of appropriate democratic channels in resolving conflicts.”

The minister noted that the power sector is the lifeblood of the nation’s economy and a cornerstone of national development, emphasizing that any attack on its infrastructure is an attack on the progress and well-being of the people.

“The facilities of Ikeja Electric, which serve millions of Nigerians, were designed to ensure the efficient distribution of electricity to homes, hospitals, schools, and industries, including military installations. This incident has set back our efforts to achieve a stable and uninterrupted power supply, and it is a blow to the collective aspirations of our nation,” the minister explained.

Adelabu noted that no grievance, no matter how legitimate, justifies the destruction of public infrastructure, tagging such actions as counterproductive and only serving to exacerbate the challenges faced as a nation.

“We must always remember that violence and destruction are not the answer to our problems. Instead, we must embrace dialogue, understanding, and the rule of law as the only viable means of resolving conflicts.

“I call on all parties involved to exercise restraint and to seek peaceful and democratic means of addressing all issues that may have led to this unfortunate incident. Our democracy provides us with the tools and institutions necessary to resolve disputes without resorting to violence. We have the judiciary, the legislature, and various regulatory bodies that are empowered to mediate and adjudicate conflicts. It is imperative that we utilize these channels to ensure that justice is served and that such incidents do not recur,” he said.

The Minister urged the Nigerian Air Force to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and to ensure that its operations are conducted with the utmost regard for the welfare of civilians and public infrastructure.

Adelabu added, “The military is a vital institution in our nation, and its role in maintaining peace and security cannot be overstated. However, it is equally important that all actions taken by our armed forces are proportionate, targeted, and in line with the principles of democracy and the rule of law.”

He also commended the staff and management of IKEDC for their resilience in the face of provocation, assuring them of the Ministry’s support in restoring normalcy.

The minister enjoined stakeholders in the power sector to work together in harmony, prioritize collaboration over conflict, dialogue over discord, and unity over division, stating that the challenges faced in the power sector are significant but not insurmountable.

Adelabu called on all Nigerians to remain steadfast in their commitment to peace, unity, and progress, charging them to reject violence and destruction in all its forms and embrace the values of democracy, dialogue, and mutual respect.

“Together, we can build a nation where conflicts are resolved through appropriate channels and where the aspirations of all citizens are realized,” he noted.