The power tussle at Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) appears to have intensified as the Legal Director, Babor Egeregor, has said that Dr Tinuade Sanda is still the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the power firm.
He dismissed the purported termination of employment of Sanda allegedly in compliance with the directives issued by the Nigerian Electricity Distribution Commission (NERC), which he described as unambiguous.
This disclosure is contained in a statement seen by Nairametrics and issued by Egeregor, who also doubles as the Chairman Legal and Regulatory committee of the board.
Nairametrics had earlier reported that the board of Eko DisCo had relieved the embattled MD/CEO, Sanda of her duties as MD/CEO of the power firm and replaced her with Mrs Rekhiat Momoh.
The legal director had insisted that NERC in its order never requested the removal of any staff either seconded to or hired by EKEDC except those connected to the alleged fraud and negligence.
The statement by Egeregor suggest the current board was instigating a cover up attempt and that the directives of NERC did not request a removal of any staff except those connected with the fraud.
However, a copy of the letter from NERC seen by Nairametrics states that all staff working for the DisCo must be employed directly by Eko DisCo and not seconded.
The legal Director said, the decision to sack Sanda was a “vengeful revenge” against the MD/CEO for escalating an alleged fraud. The director also stated that a member of the board representing the government via BPE “rejected” the removal
Egeregor accused the board Chairman of trying to run a one man show as the appointment of Mrs Momoh, the Chief Commercial Officer of EKEDC, as the acting CEO, was never deliberated on and approved by the board. He insisted that Dr Sanda still remains the CEO of the power firm.
Nairametrics also gathers in the vote by the board, all members except two voted in favour of the removal of Dr. Sanda.
It is therefore unclear if a letter from a board member is enough to overrule that of the board Chairman, Dere Otubu in this unfolding saga.
Nairametrics reported on Tuesday that the board of Eko Disco via its Chairman, Dere Otubu communicated the sack of Dr. Sanda as MD/CEO of Eko Disco.
In a letter signed by the company’s Chairman, Dere Otubu and seen by Nairametrics, the company explained that the decision was due to a directive from the industry regulator, NERC.
The Disco is obligated to comply with these directives due to the powers of NERC as stipulated in the Electricity Act 2023. In compliance with the aforementioned directive, all seconded staff from WPG Ltd are being released by Eko Electricity Distribution Plc and returned to WPG Ltd.
Accordingly, you are hereby relieved of your role, office, and position at Eko Electricity Distribution Plc effectively immediately, and returned to your employer, WPG Ltd.”