The Board of Directors of the Eko Electricity Distribution PLC (EKEDP) has cleared the management staff members of the company accused of corruption and other fraudulent practices.
A statement on Monday by the Chairman, Eko Electricity Distribution Plc, titled "Eko Disco Management Cleared In 'Ghost Worker' Investigation," said the investigation into the 'ghost workers' allegations had been concluded and findings indicated that the allegations of fraud, negligence, or conspiracy against some members of staff members were unfounded.
SaharaReporters had reported that the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) picketed the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) headquarters in Marina, Lagos State over an alleged attempt to cover up corruption in the company.
The union had accused the management of the power distribution company of collaborating with the board members to perpetrate corruption, which it said would eventually ruin the establishment.
But in the statement on Monday, the Chairman of the company, Mr Oritsedere Otubu, said EKEDP was aware of recent negative media reports regarding the company and some members of the staff relating to the issue of ‘ghost workers’.
The chairman said that the Board of Directors took immediate action by mandating the HR (Human Resources) Committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
According to the statement, an investigation was initiated in response to the allegations that the board was made aware of.
"We can now report that the investigation has now been concluded. The findings indicate that the allegations of fraud, negligence, or conspiracy against our members of staff were unfounded," he said.
It added, "We want to emphasize that no evidence was found to substantiate any of the claims made against any member of our staff, including our Chief Legal Officer, Wola Joseph-Condotti, Chief Audit and Compliance Officer, Sheri Adegbenro, and Chief Human Resources Officer, Aik Alenkhe.
"Moving Forward EKEDP's core mission is to provide reliable, and sustainable electricity distribution services. We remain focused on this goal and will continue investing in our network infrastructure, processes, and people to deliver improved services that address our customers' needs.
"Serving over 700,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers across Lagos, EKEDP plays a vital role in powering economic growth and development."
The chairman, however, maintained that Eko DisCo would strive to maintain the utmost integrity as the firm executes its mandate.
SaharaReporters reported in January that the company had been accused of covering up for top-level officers linked to ghost employee fraud.
In the exclusive report, the staff members linked to the infractions were accused of aiding ghost workers in the company and earning millions of Naira from the dubious dealings.
Sources who spoke to Saharareporters revealed that the exact amount of money the management staff members fleeced the company could not be ascertained. However, they said it would be between N150 million and N300 million.
However, petitions by Ayiwe Peter, an AG Principal Manager Community Relations/CSR addressed to the Chairman/Board members of the electricity company, dated February 13, 2023, and December 18, 2023, respectively, called on the Board to investigate the “mismanagement of the company by the present management”.
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