Ikeja Electric yesterday organized a customer forum at Treasure Hall in Alimosho just behind Diamond Bank. Initially planned to start at 10am, the events time was abruptly changed to 12noon. The gathering brought together Community Leaders CDC Chairmen, CDA Chairmen and other representatives and customers. Ikeja Electric representatives were: Shola Ayeni representing the Head, Corporate Communication; Eno-obong Ezekiel - Business Manager Akwonjo Business Unit; Engr Asha - Network Ops Manager; Bode Afolayan - Finance and Mercy Ahiazim - Customer Care.
The event began with a "Safety Video" which largely indicts the Electricity Company and its failure to ensure proper maintainance and proper cabling methods. This was followed by a rundown of their "silent initiatives and projects", then came all the apologies as to why so many regions have been without power. This was followed by apologies on metering and billing.
Speaking on the peoples behalf were CDC Chairmen who reeled out the resolution of a joint meeting of CDCs requesting
1. The immediate metering of all customers in Alimosho
2. Outright cancellation of accumulated "Crazy bills"
3. Improved supply of power
In the event of not meeting the following demands, the CDC's have resolved to adopt a "no meter no pay" policy.
The meeting hit the rocks, when Mr Shola Ayeni tried pleading with all present to allow for time to look at the issue of Crazy billing, at this it was observed that the representatives at the gathering did not have a say in the matter before it and that it should relate these resolutions to top management instead to keeping us here.
What followed was the sudden chant by all present "all we are saying give us meters". This continued for about 5 minutes after which there was a walk out by all community leaders and customers.
Observation
The management were not ready for the meeting; they did not show any form of professionalism (could not say how many meters had been installed in the last 3 years and where; had on map to show metering plan; no information of how many post paid customers and how many complaints they have received). If they where serious, the issue of crazy bills have been a major bane; so why would they be tell us 3 years on that it would only be seriously looked into now. Barely had any new information that could fray angry nerves. In very serious business climes, the representatives did not show any form of leadership and had nothing new to tell the consumers.