A former Minister of Power, Professor Bart Nnaji, has accused some diesel suppliers and generator dealers of sabotaging the efforts of the federal government and the power distribution companies (DisCos) to improve the electricity supply in Nigeria.
Nnaji, who served under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, made this allegation in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, where he featured on a radio programme called ‘The South East Political Roundtable’ on FLO 94.9 FM.
Nnaji said that the power sector was faced with some cabals who profited from the persistent power problems in the country. He said that these cabals were opposed to any reforms or investments that would enhance the power generation and distribution in the country.
He revealed that when he was in office, some diesel suppliers and generator dealers confronted him and complained that he was ruining their businesses by trying to stabilize the power supply. He said that he advised them to switch to a better business, such as power generation.
He also narrated how some diesel suppliers sponsored some men to cut down a 30KVA power line in the South West, in order to disrupt the electricity supply to thousands of customers. He said that one of the men was electrocuted by the power cable and confessed to the crime.
Nnaji urged the federal government and the DisCos to be vigilant and proactive in dealing with the enemies of the power sector. He said that the country needed a reliable and affordable electricity supply to boost its economic development and social welfare.
