Tuesday, April 28, 2026 - The Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Osamwonyi Atu, has attributed delays in the provision of electricity in parts of his constituency, including Abudu, to persistent infrastructure vandalism.
Speaking
to journalists in Benin on Monday, Atu, who is a member of the All Progressives
Congress, said efforts to address the long-standing power challenge in about
seven communities, which he noted has lasted over 15 years, are ongoing but
have been hindered by sabotage.
He
said, “I promised during
my campaign that, by the grace of God, we would bring light and other
development to our communities.
”
Though my tenure is not up to three years, l have started the project, but we
are facing constraints. While working, some individuals vandalize the cables,”
he said.
He,
however, assured constituents of his commitment to the recommended work on the
project to fulfil his campaign promises before the end of his tenure.
The
deputy speaker, who represents Orhionmwon East Constituency, accused opposition
elements of attempting to cause unrest during his recent re-election flag-off.
“Some
members of the opposition tried to be funny by bringing a protest to our rally.
We do not believe in violence. We engaged them, but they were ready to fight
while we were not,” he said.
According
to him, the situation was peacefully managed, and the flag-off proceeded
successfully. My supporters were happy, especially the youths, except for those
from the opposition.
He
described his scorecard as “verifiable,” insisting he has executed projects
across all wards in his constituency.
“There
is no ward that I have not touched in terms of projects. I told my people to
speak if I had not delivered, and they confirmed the projects were there,” he
said.
Atu
listed projects to include the construction and renovation of schools, the
provision of boreholes, the installation of street and solar lights, and the
construction of community halls.
He
specifically mentioned interventions in Abudu, Igbanke and other communities,
including industrial boreholes and education support initiatives.
“I have
awarded over 100 scholarships, even before becoming a member of the Assembly.
Beneficiaries are in institutions like the University of Benin and other
tertiary institutions,” he said.
He
added that some of the beneficiaries of his scholarship schedule have
graduated, while others are still in school under fully funded arrangements
covering tuition, accommodation and other expenses.
Reiterating
his commitment to service, Atu said his priority remains improving the lives of
his constituents.
“All
these projects are verifiable. I will continue to give back to my people as
long as I am in office,” he said.
Also,
the Benin South Regional Head of Benin Electricity Distribution Company, Henry Dafe – BEDC Regional
head, Benin South region, said the project began in 2025 and was nearing
completion when thieves vandalised the copper wires, lightning arrester and
galvanized pipes.
”The
vandalism caused a severe setback to the project because it had been due for
commissioning in December last year,” Edafe noted.
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