Firm Denies Sabotaging Akwa Ibom Power Supply

Accugas Limited (AL), a subsidiary of Savannah Energy Plc has countered the allegation of being responsible for the current blackout in Akwa Ibom State.

The power outage, which has crippled socio-economic activities, LEADERSHIP Sunday gathered,  forced Governor Umo Eno to fire the managing director of Ibom Power Company , Engr Meyen Etukudoh on Thursday over claims that the state government was owing Savannah Energy.

However, the energy firm, at the weekend, denied the allegation, describing it as a clear case of misinformation.

A statement by the Accugas’ manager in charge of communications, Okwudili Onyia, said, “The company is not responsible for power outage in Akwa Ibom State. Accugas Limited, a subsidiary of Savannah Energy, wishes to strongly deny the misinformation concerning its alleged involvement in the current power outage in Akwa Ibom State.

“The power cut in the State is entirely due to the reported fault in the 132-KV Aba-Itu transmission line, which, unfortunately, is preventing power from being transmitted from the national grid into the State. It is imperative that the restoration of the Aba-Itu line is completed as soon as possible.

“Ibom Power Company (IPC) is one of 23 thermal power generation companies which channel power to the national grid, which in turn disseminates all accumulated power to each state of the federation through the Distribution Companies (Discos).

“Indeed, Accugas supplies gas to enable 20 per cent of Nigeria’s thermal generation capacity and, as such, is a critical enabler of the Nigerian economy.

“Within Akwa Ibom State, Accugas has been the sole supplier of gas to IPC since 2014 and, together with other Savannah subsidiaries, has invested over US $1.5 billion in gas development within the state.

“Furthermore, Savannah has recently invested US $45 million in a gas compression project at Accugas’ Uquo central processing facility at Esit Eket. Accugas’ commitments also extend to several social investment projects in the state.

“All the foregoing investments and projects, including other imminent investments Accugas intends to make in the state, demonstrate the company’s long-term commitment to Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.

“Accugas will continue to partner with, and support, the government of Akwa Ibom State towards achieving the government’s agenda for economic development and prosperity of the state.”