MEET THE STAFF SERIES

Vandalism Can Be Curbed With Community Sensitization

CCD: Abdul-Kabir Suleiman, give us an insight into your background?

AS: I am a true Nigerian, a native of Ilorin Kwara State; though I was born in Argungu, Kebbi State. I attended Sarki Sani Primary School Argungu, but completed my primary school education in Al-Firdaus Primary School Ojo, Lagos State. I attended Abdallah Comprehensive College, Shibiri Ojo, Lagos State. After completing my secondary education, I proceeded to Bayero University Kano, where I bagged Diploma in Common and Islamic Law, eventually to University of Ilorin where I obtained a Degree in Common and Islamic Law.    

CCD: When did you join Kaduna Electric and what is your role in the Legal Department?

AS: I joined Kaduna Electric as Legal Officer in November 2018. My role in the Legal Department of the Company is to handle the company's cases both civil and criminal before the court of law.

CCD: Give us a legal perspective on how you are managing cases of vandalism.

AS: Let me emphasize that the work of legal department is more than the fight against vandalism. As I have said earlier on, we are to oversee civil cases against the company and ensure that litigations against the company are minimal through alternative dispute resolution. However, it is the responsibility of the department to ensure that vandals are apprehended, arraigned before a competent court of law. We ensure that all cases of vandalisms are taken to court, and we are building a good relationship with all relevant stakeholders in the state, such as police, vigilante groups and judiciary.

CCD: What do you think the company should do to reduce vandalism and other related cases?

AS: I think the company should sensitize the communities on how expensive the distribution facilities are; they should be advised to report any suspected persons seen vandalizing the company's property. The company should also build a good relationship with all stakeholders in the society.

CCD: What do you consider the challenges of meeting your set objectives?

AS:Generally speaking, there is need for a library in the legal department of the company in order to ensure efficiency of the department. However, one of the major challenges of power sector today in Nigeria is lack of relevant laws books.

CCD:Are there achievements recorded so far, since you assumed duty here in Kebbi Regional Office?

AS: Yes, there is, we have been able to convict two vandals which will apparently send a strong warning to others.

CCD:Any appeal or suggestions to staff and management?

AS: We should always put in our best in whatever role assigned to us.