The Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc, Dr Benson Uwheru has sought protection for the company assets and staff from the Brigade Commander, 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General E.I Okoro.
He also sought improved partnership between the energy distributing firm and the Police from the AIG, Zone 6, Calabar, Jonathan Toworu.
According to PHED, Head of Corporate Communications, Olubukorla Ilevbare, in a press statement at the weekend, Uwheru made the call during a two- day working visit to the Calabar Business Region.
While on the visit, he also met with the management of Bao Yoa Iron & Steel company, the Chief Judge and two Service Chiefs.
The purpose of his official tour, which commenced on Tuesday 16th May 2023, according to the statement, was to engage these stakeholders to enhance and strengthen the existing relationship between them.
At the meeting with the management of the Bao Yao steel and iron, discussions on strategies for business expansion, amongst other pertinent issues were held.
The statement noted that both parties have been experiencing the best of mutual relationship as the steel giant company is the company’s highest consumer of energy in the Maximum Demand category in the Region.
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In the same vein, Benson visited two Service Chiefs to seek collaboration, particularly with the Brigade Commander, 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General E.I Okoro.
The statement reads in part, “In his talks with the, Brigadier General, he appealed that officers of the Command should assist to protect our personnel and assets to enable staff of PHED carry out their duties without intimidation.
“He did not forget to thank the Brigade for their role in securing staff from unwarranted harassment in times past and reminded them to make effort to pay their outstanding indebtedness to PHED.
“In a show of appreciation, the Brigade Commander honored the MD CEO with a souvenir.
“Next stop was the office of the AIG, Zone 6, Calabar, Jonathan Toworu, where Dr Benson sought for improved partnership between the two organizations.
“The PHED boss reminded the AIG that both the company and the Police Force are bound by a common interest which is the stake of the Federal Government in the Disco.
“He urged the Force to settle their unpaid obligations to the Disco.
“In response, the AIG immediately assured him that the arrears will be forwarded to the Police Headquarters for payment. Interestingly, he was also given another souvenir by the AIG.
“Dr Benson Uwheru rounded off his tour by paying a courtesy call on the Chief Judge of Cross River State, Honorable Justice Akon Bassey Ikpeme where he was warmly welcomed.
“The MD/CEO prayed that the Judiciary would assign a dedicated court to handle legal issues affecting the company.
“This request if granted would ensure that PHED cases are given the speedy attention that they require.
“In her response, Hon Justice Akon assured him that his prayer will be considered as she intends to follow due process in honoring his demands as she understands the critical nature of the power sector.”