I firmly believe that it is better to die telling the truth than to live telling lies. When elders refuse to speak, the younger generation may begin to see iniquity as a tradition and culture.
Recently, I watched on television as armed, uniformed men invaded the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company. Later, I saw the CEO of the company alongside an Air Force officer, presumably the commander of an Air Force base in Lagos, at a press conference where they claimed to have resolved the issue amicably. However, several critical questions must be raised.
First, the Nigerian military and police force have done well in international peacekeeping missions in places like Congo and Lebanon. Their primary duty is to protect civilians and uphold national security. However, we must decolonize our military and police of the colonial-era mindset that sees civilians as inferior “bloody civilians” who can be brutalized and oppressed. This kind of behaviour has been a recurring issue throughout our history, from the Civil War to recent events.
At the same time, civilians must respect and value security personnel. Non-state actors should not assault or traumatize them. However, our security forces also need retraining, improved welfare, and a shift in mindset. Security personnel must understand that other professions also involve significant risks—whether it is the electrical worker climbing poles, the petroleum worker in hazardous environments, or the doctor working in hospitals. We all take risks to keep this country running.
The Bigger Issues at Play
One major question arises: If the issue between the Air Force base and Ikeja Electric was resolved through dialogue, why was dialogue not the first option? The CEO of Ikeja Electric should have understood the strategic importance of the Nigerian Air Force as a customer. Military bases house sensitive equipment, including ammunition that requires stable cooling conditions. Given the history of conflicts involving security agencies and public institutions, the situation should have been handled more tactfully.
Instead of resorting to drastic action, the CEO could have engaged with the Chief of Defense Staff, the Minister of Defense, or even the President to address the N4 billion debt. As large as the debt is, a more diplomatic approach could have prevented the escalation. Unfortunately, many Nigerians, whether in government or private organizations, are quick to intimidate and flex power rather than seek peaceful resolutions.
Unanswered Questions
During the press conference, the Air Force commander stated that he would investigate and sanction those involved. However, critical questions remain:
How did trucks filled with armed men leave the Air Force base without the commander’s knowledge?
If the commander was aware, what instructions were given to them?
Who authorized the invasion and what was the intended outcome?
Did those responsible think vandalizing the power company would restore electricity?
This act of impunity and reckless adventurism is unacceptable. We are no longer in the military era where force overrides the rule of law. The Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company legally owns the right to distribute electricity, having paid the federal government for that privilege. Businesses must be run profitably, and it is unjustifiable for a government agency to destroy private property over unpaid bills.
The Financial and Logistical Problem
The N4 billion debt raises another issue: Is the electricity supply for military bases not budgeted for? If it is, why hasn’t the defense budget accounted for these expenses? Shouldn’t the Minister of Defense be addressing the House of Representatives and the Senate about unpaid electricity bills?
Moreover, it is a national disgrace that a critical military base near an international airport lacks an alternative power supply. With a fraction of the owed N4 billion, the base could have established its own independent power plant, similar to private estates in Nigeria that generate their own electricity. Solar power and gas-powered generators could have provided a stable supply, ensuring that military operations are not disrupted by national grid failures.
A Dysfunctional System
This situation is a symptom of Nigeria’s inefficiency and dysfunction. The reality is that Nigeria happens to everyone—military personnel, civilians, and the elite alike. Tribalism should not distract us from the real issues at play. The Air Force commander and the CEO of Ikeja Electric are both Yoruba, yet those affected by the crisis were also Yoruba. Our problems transcend ethnicity; they are rooted in inefficiency, corruption, lack of foresight, and disregard for the rule of law.
Unfortunately, nothing significant will likely come from the promised investigation. The vandalized security cameras, billing systems, computers, and the psychological trauma inflicted on employees will not be undone. The scars of this incident will remain in the minds of those affected.
A Nation in Need of Change
Nigeria must build a society where no man is oppressed. Speaking the truth and calling for justice should not be met with intimidation or harassment. Those in power must understand that silencing voices will not solve our national problems—it will only delay the inevitable reckoning.
We must do better. The world is watching.
I remain Dr. Charles Apoki.
