Breaking: OSERM Seeks Over Two Trillion Naira in Damages in Upcoming Lawsuit Against Government and Utility Bodies for Over 15-Year Power Outage in Ondo South Communities

Tolani - Akure.

OSERM Seeks Over Two Trillion Naira in Damages in Upcoming Lawsuit Against Government and Utility Bodies for Over 15-Year Power Outage in Ondo South Communities.

The Ondo South Electricity Restoration Movement (OSERM) has announced its intention to file a comprehensive lawsuit against several key defendants including the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Ondo State Government, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The suit addresses the long-standing electricity deprivation in the Ondo South Senatorial District, which has spanned over fifteen years.

The detailed claims for relief include demanding the immediate suspension of BEDC from operating in the district due to what OSERM describes as "gross negligence." Furthermore, OSERM is advocating for the court to mandate the allocation of a new and competent electricity service provider to the region.

In terms of financial compensation, the movement seeks substantial damages from the defendants for their respective failures to address the electricity crisis. Specifically, the lawsuit requests: Five Hundred Billion Naira (₦500 Bln) against BEDC for failures including the loss of life, property damage, and general inconvenience; Seven Hundred Billion Naira (₦700 Bln) against NERC for not enforcing regulations to reconnect Ondo South to the national grid; Five Hundred Billion Naira (₦500 Bln) against the Ondo State Government for neglecting to resolve the electricity issues; Five Hundred Billion Naira (₦500 Bln) against the Federal Government of Nigeria Ministry of Power for their role in overseeing a failing service provider and Five Hundred Billion Naira (₦500 Bln) against NNDC for not addressing the infrastructure deficiencies that have exacerbated the situation.

Additionally, OSERM seeks general damages and the costs of the lawsuit, citing physical, emotional, and economic suffering endured by the residents due to the prolonged electricity outage.

This legal action marks a pivotal moment for the communities of Okitipupa, Irele, Ilaje, and Eseodo, as they strive to hold these bodies accountable and seek redress for the years of hardship and economic stagnation caused by the power crisis. The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for how utility services and governmental oversight are managed in the region. 

Further updates in our upcoming bulletin.

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