An advocacy group, Open Forum, has called on the Akwa Ibom State government to reinstate the former Managing Director of Ibom Power Company, Meyen Etukudo, citing worsening electricity supply across the state since his removal.
The appeal was contained in a statement issued in Uyo, by the group’s Convener, Matthew Okono, following a review of the state’s current power situation.
Etukudo was dismissed in November 2024 by Governor Umo Eno over persistent power outages and concerns about management performance.
His removal was further linked to revelations made at the state House of Assembly, alleging that Ibom Power received no government funding despite annual budgetary allocations during his tenure from 2016 to 2025.
He had also claimed that a reported $80 million intervention fund from the federal government never reached the company.
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However, Open Forum argued that conditions have deteriorated further since his exit, with the group maintaining that despite operating under financial constraints, Etukudo achieved measurable results.
“The power situation has gone from bad to worse since his removal, even though he reportedly worked under extremely difficult conditions without state funding support,” Okono said.
The group also called for a thorough investigation into the alleged missing $80 million and urged transparency in the management of the state’s power sector.
In addition, Open Forum recommended the cancellation of an audit conducted by Savannah Energy Limited, citing potential conflicts of interest.
It proposed an independent audit of Ibom Power Company, the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP), and other state-owned enterprises to improve efficiency and boost internally generated revenue.
The group further stressed the need for full disclosure of audit processes and committee composition to rebuild public confidence, noting that a credible technical and managerial audit is essential for meaningful power sector reforms.
Other recommendations include, reconstituting the Ibom Power Reform Implementation Committee and reviewing key agreements, such as the 2009 memorandum of understanding with Savannah Energy (Accugas) on gas supply, as well as investments like the 69-kilometre gas pipeline to the state’s gas plant.
