In a landmark ruling, the Abia State High Court has restrained Aba Power Limited from enforcing a new electricity tariff on Aba residents. Violators maybe imprisoned. READ FULL/WATCH VIDEO INSIDE
The Abia State High Court in Aba has issued a restraining order against Aba Power Limited (APL), barring the company from enforcing its new electricity tariff on residents of Aba. The court ruled that consumers should continue paying electricity bills based on the last tariff charged in December 2024 until the substantive matter before the court is determined.
The landmark ruling comes after months of widespread complaints from Aba residents, who have consistently decried the exorbitant tariff hike imposed by Aba Power Limited. The legal action against the electricity company was initiated by the Aba Electricity Consumers Forum, a body advocating for fair billing and improved power supply in the city.
Barrister Larry Iroka, counsel representing the Aba Electricity Consumers Forum, issued a stern warning that any APL marketer who disobeys the court order by continuing to implement the new tariff will face imprisonment. He revealed that all security establishments in the state have been duly served with the court’s directive, emphasizing that any security unit that provides cover for APL officials to disconnect residents will also face legal action.
“I will not hesitate to ensure that APL marketers who attempt to flout this court order are sent to prison.,” Iroka stated firmly.
Furthermore, Barrister Iroka asserted that Aba residents have the right to apply “minimum force” to resist any form of disconnection that violates the court order. He urged consumers to stand their ground and refuse to be intimidated by threats of power cuts, insisting that the law is on their side.
The Executive Secretary of the Aba Electricity Consumers Forum, Comrade Opigwe, welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as a major victory for the people of Aba. He called on residents to remain vigilant and ensure that their rights are not trampled upon.
“This ruling is a call for celebration. Aba residents must stand firm and insist on their rights. No one should allow APL to illegally extort them through an unjustifiable tariff hike,” he declared.
For months, electricity consumers in Aba have raised concerns over the skyrocketing cost of power supply imposed by Aba Power Limited. Many residents argue that the new tariff is not only unfair but also unjustifiable given the inconsistent power supply in the city.
With the latest court ruling, consumers can now breathe a sigh of relief, at least temporarily, as the battle against what they describe as “exploitative electricity billing” rages on.
The next court hearing is expected to provide further clarity on the legality of APL’s tariff hike, but for now, residents are urged to pay their electricity bills based on the December 2024 rates. WATCH VIDEO BELOW:
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