“It’s obvious there’s no economic accountability amongst the council leaders, else why would it look as if nothing is wrong, businesses are suffering, People are seriously complaining of losses in their businesses because of the lighting situation and they are quiet.

“I heard the cables stolen were worth 15million naira and they had 10million to host football tournament. This is gross indiscipline”

These were the exact words of a civil servant who preferred anonymity during a tour by Kristina reports in Okrika local government area of Rivers on Monday, April 22, 2024.

The civil servant who has been away for some time for work came home to meet gross darkness as there’s has been no light for 4months now.

“Since I came, I have not tasted a cold water. Everyday I put on my generator but for how long, considering the fact that fuel prices are so high”

Speaking on the issue, a woman who refused to disclose her identity expressed her frustration about the issue saying that she has been forced to shut down her business

“Na cold room business I dey do, my chicken dem, fish dem, all of them dey spoil because of no light. I don buy fuel so tey I don tire. I don close for now because as light no dey, the market sef no dey move and instead I go gain, I dey run losses”

Reacting, an elder who preferred anonymity as well said that the situation is very alarming and worst of it is the fact that the leaders are showing apathy to the situation

“I’m really tired, I don’t know what to think again, these people can’t be humans. Okay even if they can’t do anything about it, at least say something to show that you are concern about the situation.

No way, rather I watch how they cruise around, maybe since they are in power, they don’t have issues with light, plant is always on and they are probably not staying in okrika. God help us”

Efforts to reach council authorities proved abortive as at the time of this report.