In a pivotal ruling, the Federal High Court in Enugu has denied the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) an interlocutory order aimed at preventing members of the Southeast Electricity Consumers Association (SEECA) from intervening in the company’s operations.
On Wednesday, July 10, EEDC, represented by counsel O.O. Agbo, sought an injunction against SEECA members. The company alleged that SEECA had been inciting consumers in the Southeast to withhold payment of their electricity bills. The suit also included the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) as a respondent.
Agbo argued that SEECA’s actions were creating uncertainty and harassment for EEDC, necessitating judicial intervention. However, SEECA’s counsel, Frank Obiakor, contended that not all defendants had been properly served, leading Agbo to withdraw his request against the 1st and 5th defendants.
After reviewing the arguments and counter-affidavits, Justice M.J. Umar ruled against granting the injunction, adjourning the case to September 26, 2024.
SEECA Chairman Okechukwu Obioha praised the decision, calling it a fair ruling. He urged Southeast electricity consumers to heed SEECA’s advice, emphasizing the importance of installing prepaid meters before making further payments. Obioha also encouraged customers subjected to estimated and bulk billing to demand refunds for overbilling as directed by NERC
