A minor cabinet reshuffle was announced by President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday.
Minister of State (Power), Darius Dickson Ishaku, swapped place with the Minister of State (Niger Delta), Hajia Zainab Kuchi. The change takes immediate effect.
Presidential spokesman Dr. Reuben Abati, who announced the reshuffle, said it was meant to strengthen the sector.
Besides, he said, the action was aimed at raising performance level to meet the expectation of Nigerians.
However, it was gathered that the shake-up may not be unconnected with the sudden drop in power supply in some parts of the country shortly after the Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, was eased out of office.
The presidential aide, however, said he was not aware of any drop in power supply.
Abati, who was accompanied by Minister of Works Mike Onolememen, Communications Minister Mrs. Omobola Johnson and FCT Minister of State Ms. Olajumoke Akinjide, also announced that there would be no contract discussion beyond November under the 2012 budget.
The President gave the directive at the council where he also issued the November 30 deadline for submission of memos for contracts under the 2012 budget.
Statutorily, the budget cycle ends in December but the government is allowed to spend into the first three months in the new year.
Abati said: “The President made it clear that no fresh memos for contracts will be accepted by Council after November 30.
“So, effectively, November 30 is the deadline for the submission of any memo under the 2012 budget.”
Responding to a question on the reason behind the swapping, Abati said: “I am not aware that there has been a drop in the supply of electricity.
“If anything, the testimony that we get from Nigerians is that there has been an increase.
“In fact, in many parts of the country, people now enjoy electricity supply for many long hours of the day and for this, government has been commended.
“I don’t know, maybe you are talking about an isolated case, but the general impression across the country is that there has been an improvement and that this is one sector where government has achieved a lot.
“ If the President takes any step at all with regards to power, you can be sure that that effort is to further strengthen the sector and continue to raise the level of performance and to meet the expectation of Nigerians.” Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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