Amid growing public debate and controversy surrounding the arrest of comedian Ajiri-Oghene Otagba, popularly known as MC2 Kingdom Comedy, Income Electrix Limited has issued an official statement clarifying its stance on the matter.
The company, which has been at the center of the dispute following allegations of abandoning the 1x30MVA, 132/33KV Transmission Substation project in Ozoro, emphasized its commitment to infrastructure development in the Isoko Nation and the wider Niger Delta region.
According to the statement, the Ozoro substation project was initially conceptualized in 2006 during the administration of Chief James Ibori but encountered delays due to a lack of funding from subsequent administrations. The company explained that despite facing numerous bureaucratic and financial obstacles, it persisted in seeking alternative funding sources, including engaging the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to take over the project from the Delta State Government.
Income Electrix recounted how its efforts resulted in significant progress, including the commissioning of similar substations in Oghara and Afiesere, while work on the Ozoro facility reached 70% completion by 2017 before persistent vandalism forced a halt. The company further noted that challenges in securing funding for the 132KV transmission line connecting Afiesere to Ozoro have contributed to the project’s delay.
The company acknowledged the frustrations of the Isoko people regarding the delay but firmly denied allegations of abandoning the project. It highlighted recent efforts by Senator Joel-Onowakpor Thomas to reintroduce the project into the NDDC budget and push for the issuance of Letters of Credit to facilitate its completion.
Addressing the controversy surrounding MC2 Kingdom Comedy, Income Electrix clarified that while it was aware of the comedian’s initial video accusing it of negligence, it chose to engage in dialogue rather than confrontation. The company claimed to have provided MC2 Kingdom Comedy with detailed project updates, and even facilitated a meeting with stakeholders to clarify the situation. However, the company alleged that the comedian later demanded financial compensation in exchange for reversing his stance, a request they rejected.
Following the release of a second video with more damaging claims, Income Electrix stated that its legal team took action to defend the company’s integrity. The company’s petition to law enforcement cited cyber harassment and defamation, leading to an official investigation. However, it distanced itself from the arrest of MC2 Kingdom Comedy, asserting that it had merely pursued lawful avenues to protect its reputation.
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Income Electrix concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to completing the Ozoro substation project and enhancing power infrastructure in Isoko and the Niger Delta region. The company urged the public to seek facts before forming opinions, assuring that its long-standing contributions to the region’s development speak for themselves.
As the controversy unfolds, the arrest of MC2 Kingdom Comedy continues to generate backlash against Income Electrix Ltd. The outcome of the legal proceedings will likely shape public perception of the case in the coming weeks. But one thing is certain this saga has drawn the attention of government to one of Isoko most important projects abandoned for more than a decade
