*Promises to handle it professionally
By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu has disclosed that the overbearing influence of cartels and cabals in the power sector is working against success of the sector in Nigeria.
Speaking at the weekend during a reception organized in his honour by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes at Oke-Aremo, new palace of Olubadan, Chief Adelabu said the cartels and cabals are the major factor militating against the sector’s optimal performance,
The minister quickly added that
this will be handled professionally, saying of all the sectors of the nation’s economy, the power sector is the most criticized because of its relevance to the economic growth and its non-functioning at optimal level.
” There is no doubt that there are cartels and cabals that are working against the success of the sector but this will be handled professionally. I will collaborate with relevant stakeholders including the CCII at ensuring my successful stay as Minister of Power”, he said
The Minister added, ” The challenges facing the power sector are enormous. The aged ineffectiveness of the sector in generation, transformation and distribution of power always attracts criticism from the end users”.
According to Chief Adelabu, he noted, “The sector plays a pivotal role in the economic growth hence the reason it cannot afford to continue failing the public.The manufacturing sector both the Small and Medium Scale Entrepreneur including the households, need power for economic survival.
“It must be noted that we had this kind of opportunity 10 years ago when Chief Remi Babalola was appointed as Minister of State for Finance but today, it is no longer Minister of State but full Minister.
“My appointment must be seen as a two edged sword with faces of failure and success. If the power sector records remarkable success or the other way round, it will not be hidden. That is why I need the support of all and sundry to succeed in this enormous task. We should put aside political differences and work together as an indivisible entity.”
Chief Adelabu emphasized that the era of party politics, electioneering and election is gone, saying, ” This is time for governance. We must reciprocate the good gesture of President Bola Tinubu with remarkable success in the power sector.”
The minister assured his readiness to work with Governor Seyi Makinde at the state level in a bid to turn around the state, saying, “At the state level, I will collaborate with Governor Seyi Makinde at ensuring that he succeeds in his effort to turn the state around.
“Also, I want to commend the Chairman of Ilaji Hotels and Resorts, Engineer Dotun Sanusi for collaborating with the government in the area of rural electrification especially with the donation of over 85 transformers to various communities in the state”.
The President of CCII, Barrister Niyi Ajewole while speaking thanked President Tinubu for reciprocating the gesture of the people of the state during the 2023 general election with the appointment of substantive minister, saying the appointment of Chief Adelabu as the Minister of Power is a welcome development.
The CCII President then charged Chief Adelabu to use the opportunity to impact on the people of Ibadanland in the area of creation of employment opportunity.
