The Ondo State Government says it has uncovered what it described as a politically motivated attempt to discredit the ongoing state-controlled metering scheme known as the O'Datiwa mass metering scheme, handled by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources through the circulation of false allegations by a faceless Group.
A statement made available to journalists by Debbie Funmilayo, the Information Officer of the Ministry, dismissed the claims as "malicious, mischievous, and sponsored by desperate political actors ahead of the forthcoming general elections."
According to the Ministry, the so-called Ondo Integrity Group (OIG) behind the allegations is a fake and unregistered entity, assembled by disgruntled politicians to discredit a performing Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Johnson Alabi and tarnish the image of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa's administration.
"Intelligence available to us confirms that certain political actors have sponsored online blogs and paid media platforms to circulate fabricated stories designed to create confusion and weaken public confidence," the statement said.
Recall that a Group, the Ondo Integrity Group (OIG), recently claimed that funds for the O'Datiwa Mass Metering Scheme were being diverted to private accounts.
But the State Government said the O'Datiwa meter project remains one of the most transparent and people-centred energy reforms introduced by the administration of Governor Aiyedatiwa.
The statement said further; "It explained that all financial transactions under the scheme are handled through a designated state-controlled account domiciled in JAIZ Bank, as well as accredited online payment platforms approved by the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (OSERB).
"The false claim that payments were directed into private accounts is mischievous and therefore misleading.
"The Government further clarified that the metering scheme allows private participation through Meter Asset Providers (MAPs), who operate independently in line with regulatory approval. As at the last count, about ten accredited MAPs are legitimately operating within the State.
"Each MAP, being a private and commercial entity, has its independent financial accountability separate from the Ondo State Power Company Limited (OSPC)."
The statement, however, emphasised that the O'Datiwa meter is currently "the cheapest in Nigeria," with prices approved by OSERB to ensure fairness and transparency.