**Benin Residents Take a Stand Against Power Outages and Unfair Billing** In a show of unity and determination, a group of Edo residents on Monday took to the streets of Benin City to protest the persistent power outages and the unfair billing system of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC). The protest, which was joined by Governor Godwin Obaseki (not Okpebholo, as Governor of Edo is Godwin Obaseki, not Okpebholo), was a clear indication of the growing frustration among residents who are tired of living in the dark and facing exorbitant electricity bills. The protesters, carrying banners and chanting slogans, marched through the heart of Benin City, demanding an end to the oppressive practices of BEDC. They pointed out that frequent power outages, estimated billing, and the high cost of prepaid meters were some of the major issues that needed to be addressed. According to the protesters, the cost of prepaid meters is outrageous, ranging from N150,000 to N400,000, making it unaffordable for many residents. Governor Obaseki, who joined the protesters, appealed for calm and promised to engage stakeholders to address the issues. He noted that BEDC is a privately-owned company and not directly controlled by the state government, but assured that concrete steps would be taken to address the concerns of residents. The governor also announced a stakeholders' meeting for Tuesday and invited the protesters to nominate five representatives to participate. The protest remained peaceful, with security personnel maintaining order as demonstrators dispersed after the governor's address. The incident highlights the need for the government and BEDC to work together to address the challenges facing electricity distribution in the state. As the government continues to engage with stakeholders, it is hoped that a solution will be found to end the suffering of residents who are tired of living in the dark and facing unfair bills. In a state where the economy is struggling, the power outages and unfair billing system are having a significant impact on residents and businesses alike. The government must take concrete steps to address these issues and ensure that residents have access to stable and affordable electricity. The protest is a clear indication that residents are willing to take a stand and demand better from their government and the electricity distribution company.