The growing tension between the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) and the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, Ikeja, over the duration of the power supply disconnection may escalate if not promptly addressed.

Investigations by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reveal that the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, Ikeja, has been without power for two weeks following its disconnection by the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) over an unpaid debt running into millions of naira.

NAN learnt that an agreement was reached for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to pay IKEDC a monthly sum of ₦60 million to ensure a daily electricity supply of 10 to 12 hours to the base.

But a reliable source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, informed NAN that the prolonged power outage was compromising the base’s safety and security, confirmed the base had consistently kept to its part of the bargain.

According to the source, his particular concern is about the operational warehouse housing high-caliber armaments, ,which are reportedly at risk due to rising temperatures caused by the failure of the cooling systems.

“The Ikeja (TA Lagbaja) Cantonment Bomb blast of year 2002 is still fresh in our minds, a repeat of such disaster will not be palatable to Ikeja environs and Lagos State,” the source said.

“The Base runs essential services such as medical services and water supply to the Base community, these services have been significantly disrupted,” the source said.

The source said that NAF paid up to N60 million in excess for the bill in the month of November and there were no returns or any accounting for the balance of the payment.

“Furthermore, similar short change happened in the month of December,” the source said.

The source said that, the NAF Base had sufficiently kept to its side of the agreement in making payment but had currently being shortchanged with regard to power supply without any justifiable reason.

“From our investigation, there is no damage or destruction of the distribution channel leading to the Air Force Base.

“Blatant act of withholding power is considered unprofessional and unpatriotic with dire consequences on national security,” the source said.

The anonymous source noted that 10 to 12 hours of light daily was not a luxury for serving military personnel and their families, but an essential service.

“Consequently, frontline personnel are traumatised due to complaints of untold hardship suffered by their families back in the Base, due to the deliberate denial of power supply,” the source said.

The source said that the actions of IKEDC was tantamount to incitement, which could have serious consequences and dire repercussions for the peace of the state.

“Ikeja Electric is a service-oriented organisation with an expected high hevel of responsibility to the public.

“Unfortunately, the conduct of the organisation falls short of what is expected of a service provider with national interest.

“Electric power supply to the base is a right for military personnel in the service of their nation, moreso, that money was remitted for the service,” the source said.

The source kindly advised IKEDC to restore power to the base within 48 hours.

When contacted, IKEDC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr Kingsley Okotie, stated that the base was only paying for the hours of power supplied under a Band A feeder.

He added that in spite of the payments made, records and evidence showed a significant outstanding debt to IKEDC.

“However, technically, they are disconnected, and the reason is not primarily financial but due to other factors,” he said.

Okotie explained that certain installations were required within the facility to improve energy supply, and the base leadership was aware of this after multiple engagements.

“We can only carry out these improvements and installations to enhance the situation if we are granted access to the base,” he said.

“Right now, they are not allowing us to access the facility to resolve whatever issues they are facing.

“The level of hostility within the barracks towards our staff is high and aggressive. We have had unpleasant incidents in the past, including cases of staff harassment.

“While we are willing and fully available to address the needs of all our customers, we do not want such incidents to continue,” Okotie said.

He noted that nearly all military barracks within IKEDC’s jurisdiction in Lagos State had implemented the necessary installations, improving energy management.

“So, we do not understand why the Air Force Base should be an exception that we cannot access.

“Moving forward, all parties should return to the table to discuss an amicable resolution.

“Energy consumed must be paid for, and no one is being charged for what they have not used,” he emphasized.

Okotie urged the Air Force authorities to provide an opportunity for dialogue to resolve the matter.

“However, proper installations and isolations must be implemented to ensure all parties are adequately protected.

“If there is no access and opportunity to do so, then we cannot make any progress,” he said.

The immediate past governor of Ekiti state, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has dismissed the declaration made by the lawmaker representing the Ekiti North Senatorial District, Cyril Fasuyi, that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accused him of sexual harassment.

Fasuyi had, on Wednesday during plenary, disclosed that the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial district had in the past raised allegations of sexual harassment against Fayemi amidst the ongoing investigation into the allegation against the Senate President, Godswil Akapabio.

However, Fayemi, in a statement by the Head of Fayemi Media Office on Wednesday, described the allegation as misleading and a monumental falsehood that lacks a modicum of truth.

The former governor said that neither Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan nor anyone else has ever accused Fayemi of sexual harassment.

He noted that Fasuyi’s allegation was a misrepresentation of facts, adding that the senator representing Ekiti North may have inadvertently conflated the events, leading to a misrepresentation of facts.

The statement reads, “We have become aware of a statement made by Senator Cyril Fasuyi during today’s Senate plenary, in which he alleged that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously accused Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, of sexual harassment.

“We categorically state that this claim is entirely false. At no time has Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan—or anyone else, for that matter—ever accused Dr. Fayemi of such misconduct. It appears that the Distinguished Senator from Ekiti inadvertently misrepresented the facts, as no such allegation has ever been made against Dr. Fayemi.

“Consequently, there is no basis for Senator Fasuyi’s further assertion that Dr. Fayemi would be submitting a petition to the Senate in this regard. We would like to believe that, in his enthusiasm to defend the Senate President, Senator Fasuyi inadvertently conflated events, leading to a misrepresentation of facts.

“For the record, the only professional engagement Dr. Fayemi ever had with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was during his tenure as the Honourable Minister of Mines and Steel Development, when he oversaw matters related to the Ajaokuta Steel Company. While they may have held differing views on the future of the company at the time, their interactions remained strictly within the realm of policy discussions. At no point did Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan make any allegations of misconduct against Dr. Fayemi.

“We urge Senator Fasuyi to exercise greater diligence in verifying facts before making public statements, especially on sensitive matters that could damage reputations.

“Dr. Fayemi remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity in public service, and we reject any attempt to tarnish his name with baseless allegations”, it added

President Bola Tinubu is presiding over the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, the second in less than a week, at the State House, Abuja.

Shortly before the commencement of the meeting at the Council Chamber, Council members observed a minute silence in honour of two former members of Council.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, had informed the Council of the passing of Mrs. Adenike Ebunoluwa Oyagbola, Nigeria’s first female minister.

Oyagbola, who served as Minister of National Planning from 1979 to 1983, passed away on Friday at the age of 93.
The council was also informed of the demise of elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, a former FEC member who served as Federal Commissioner for Information.

Clark, passed away on Monday, February 17, at the age of 97.

The ongoing Council session, which commenced upon the President’s arrival, marks the fourth meeting in 2025.
On Monday, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, had announced that council members would reconvene for another session.

Present at Wednesday’s FEC meeting are the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Walson Didi-Jack; Chief of Staff to the President, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila; and many Ministers.