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BEDC tackles FG, Fidelity Bank over takeover move

The Management of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), says Fidelity Bank lacks the legal authority to take over the company.

BEDC yesterday insisted that its shares were not offered as collateral security to Fidelity Bank or to any other party.

The Federal Government on Tuesday had announced the restructuring and take-over of five electricity distribution companies (DisCos) for inability to honour their debt obligations to Fidelity Bank.

This followed the activation of the call on the collateralised shares of Kano, Benin and Kaduna DisCos by Fidelity Bank to exercise rights on the shares.

Government’s position was announced in a joint statement signed by the Executive Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Sanusi Garba, and the Director-General, the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Alex Okoh.

The NERC and BPE also met and appointed Henry Ajagbawa as interim Managing Director of the BEDC, alongside other appointees for the other DisCos.

But in a statement issued by its Corporate Affairs Officer, Ibeamaka Odoh, BEDC warned that any attempt by Fidelity Bank and the BPE to interfere with its operations would be illegal, unlawful and would be resisted.

As we understand it, Vigeo Holdings Ltd. (VHL), a non-shareholder of BEDC, obtained credit facilities from Stanbic IBTC Bank Ltd., Fidelity Bank Plc, and Keystone Bank Plc.

The statement reads: “The management of BEDC states unequivocally, that there is no contractual, statutory or regulatory basis for such takeover.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the shares of BEDC have not been given as security to Fidelity Bank or to any other party.

“There was a report that certain parties had been appointed as board members, independent directors and managing director of BEDC.

“We understand these appointments have been communicated to the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

“As we understand it, Vigeo Holdings Ltd. (VHL), a non-shareholder of BEDC, obtained credit facilities from Stanbic IBTC Bank Ltd., Fidelity Bank Plc, and Keystone Bank Plc.

“We further understand that the said credit facilities and any enforcement action in relation thereto have in the meantime become subject of litigation,” Odoh stated.

BEDC urged its customers, investors and partners in the electricity business to ignore the takeover move.

Odoh assured customers of continued smooth operations, adding that BEDC would remain focused in its mission to ensure delivery of quality and reliable power to Edo, Delta, Ondo and Ekiti states.

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