The
Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, has said all the 11 power
plants being constructed by the Federal Government will be completed
before the end of the first quarter of 2014.
Maku stated this on Monday while
fielding questions from journalists after the Peoples Democratic Party
stakeholders’ meeting in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
He said seven out of the power plants
had so far been completed, while efforts were being intensified to
complete others before the end of the first quarter of 2014.
The minister said the Federal Government
had completed 150 out of the 220 injection sub-stations being
constructed to stabilise and hold the power to be generated.
Maku further explained that the
privatisation of the sector would enhance efficiency in power delivery
as was witnessed in the telecoms sector.
The minister noted that the Federal
Government deserved commendation for completing the plants in two years,
adding that electricity generation would double in the next few years.
“It is almost magical for the President
Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to have achieved this feat in just
two years; this is a clear indication of his commitment to deliver on
power,” he said.
Maku pointed out that the present administration had done far more than any previous administration in the country.
He, therefore, appealed to Nigerians to
be patient with the administration, pointing out that there would be a
lot of improvement and stability in the power sector before the end of
2014.
Maku said the media was under reporting the achievements of the government.
He said, “It is unfortunate that the media is focusing more on personality rather than discussing development.
“The media should focus more on progress
and on the achievements of the government irrespective of political
party platform in the interest of the people.”
He added that the government needed
support and the media had the responsibility to report progress “so that
you don’t fixate yourself with politics.”
“Politicians will want to undermine
tangible achievements because they will want to come in, but the reality
of what the Jonathan administration is doing is very clear and deserves
to be reported,” he said.
Meanwhile, the President has given an
assurance to Nigerians that they will soon begin to enjoy the benefits
of the privatisation of the power sector with the successful conclusion
of the sale of the generation and distribution companies.
A statement by his Special Adviser on
Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, quoted the President as saying
this while granting audience to a delegation of the Anioma Peoples’
Congress led by the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Chike Edozien, at the
Presidential Villa, Abuja on Monday.
Jonathan confirmed that all the
successful bidders for the power generation and distribution companies
except one had completed the payments required to complete the process,
which he said was conducted in conformity with globally acceptable
standards and best practices.
He said, “We are fully conscious of the
centrality and importance of adequate power supply for our developmental
efforts. We have challenges in the sector but we are constantly working
to overcome them.
“We are currently in a transition phase
in which the sector is being positively transformed. The sale of our
generation and distribution companies is almost concluded. Finally,
everyone has paid and in the shortest possible time, our power sector
will take on a much more positive life of its own for the benefit of all
Nigerians.”
Jonathan said his administration
remained fully committed to significantly improving national
infrastructure and would continue to work on rapidly developing railway
links, airports, seaports, roads and other transportation services in
the country.
“We are glad that you appreciate what
we are doing. We will continue to work very hard so that Nigerians in
all parts of the country will feel the positive impact of our efforts to
accelerate national development and progress,” he said.
Responding to the delegation’s request
for his support for the creation of Anioma State and for the next
governor of Delta State to emerge from Delta North if Anioma State did
not become a reality before 2015, Jonathan reportedly said such
political matters did not depend on him alone.
Edozien, on behalf of the delegation,
thanked the President for the commencement of work on the Second Niger
Bridge and the approval of a cargo terminal at the Asaba Airport.
The group also praised the President’s handling of the country’s security challenges.
“We are glad that you have tenaciously
carried on with your development strides in spite of distractions. We
believe you should be given all necessary support to forge ahead and we
assure you of our full support if you decide to seek a second term in
office,” Edozien told the President.
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