$16b Power Project from 199 to 2007, Obasanjo and others must face trail - YNP
Press Conference by Young Nigerian
Professionals (YNP) On The Planned House
of Reps Power Spending Probe
Good day gentlemen of the press, and
everybody here present.
We note that the Senate ministerial screening
and the Police/Shi'te clash were two events
that absorbed the attention of Nigerians last
week, which took attention away from the
resolve of the House to again reinvestigate the
power sector spending. Hence, we convey this
brief conference to remind the nation of the
need to now refocus attention on the planned
probe by the House of Representatives of all
the
administrations.
contracts by
successive
power
Without accountability, without bringing those
who brought Nigerians this low to justice, we
cannot seriously move forward.
It would be recalled that Hon. Sada Soli,
member
Constituency of Katsina State, moved a
representing Jibia/Kaita Federal
motion entitled, Need to review government
expenditure on the power sector to ensure
sustenance of the power reform programme in
Nigeria." The motion
adopted by the House which resolved to set up
an ad hoc committee to "carry out a
comprehensive investigative hearing on how
much money was spent on the power sector
reform programme over the years without
commensurate results and report back within
six weeks for further legislative action."
unanimously
was
In the light of the above, we, the Young
Nigerian Professionals, will like to denmand for
a thorough investigation this time around. We
demand for an unbiased and transparent
investigation into the power sector spending
over the years; the sort that will bring anyone
involved in any shady deals to book, no matter
how highly placed or influential such persons
or individuals are.
Considering that this
comprehensive investigation, covering the $16
billion spent by the Obasanjo-led government
will be a very
between 1999 and 2007, the power spending
of administrations of Presidents Umaru Musa
Yar' Adua (late), Goodluck Jonathan and the
incumbent Muhammadu Buhari; we are
confident no one will hide under the excuse of
being witch hunted.
Having had a similar investigative hearing by
the House of Representatives in 2008 over the
alleged $16 billion spending on power sector
by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, we
reiterate that only an open, transparent and
painstaking investigation would unravel the
mystery surrounding the huge investment into
the power sector which has left Nigeria with
more darkness.
With just a year to go before the 2020 target of
a 40,000 MW for the country, based on the
alleged investment in the proposed power
plants, all those who have questions to answer
must be brought forward to explain why the
power
unattainable despite the huge ivestments. We
generation target has
remained
repeat that all those found culpable must be
brought to book, no matter who they are.
Everyday, Nigerians suffer the absence of
electric power supply; businesses have been
forced to sustain themselves on diesel, and
they have been most times forced to close
shop, or send the burden to poor Nigerians; all
these have been caused by deliberate sabotage,
malfeasance and brazen theft of money meant
for the power sector. It is high time that the
books are opened, and the way and manner all
funds allocated to this sector were spent are
made public; while those who are found
wanting face the wrath of the law.
We therefore totally support the resolve of the
House of Representatives to investigate and
uncover those behind the ineffective and
corruption ridden investments in the power
sector. Our Forunm will keep watch on the
process of investigation by the House and
follow it to its final conclusion.
Thank you.
Signed:
Charles Olufemi Folayan (Chairnman)
Umar Sani Bello (Secretary)
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