PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan spoke yesterday on why former Power Minister Barth Nnaji threw in the towel.

Dr. Jonathan said in Onitsha, Anambra State: "Barth Nnaji has not committed any offence. He is a very competent and seasoned professional."

Addressing Anambra people during a town hall meeting at the Governor's Lodge, Onitsha after inaugurating the Onitsha Inland River Port Complex and the Governor's Lodge as well as some private sector companies, Dr Jonathan said he would replace Nnaji with another competent Igbo man.

He said because some privatisation done in the past failed , he was careful not to engage in another exercise that would be a failed venture.

Jonathan said Nnaji gave way because he had interests in the ongoing privatisation.

In Abuja, the President is believed to have launched the search for a new Minister of Power.

Some of those being speculated are a former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Agency, Dr. Ransome Owan; a former Special Adviser on Petroleum Resources, Prof. Emmanuel Edoga; a former Managing Director of the Power Holding Copany of Nigeria (PHCN), Mr. Joseph Makoju, an engineer; a former Special Adviser to the President on Power, Mr. Foluseke Shomolu, who is also an engineer.

Also yesterday, a source in government said the Federal Government had shifted ground on the disengaged PHCN workers' demand.

The source, who spoke in confidence, said: "The reality is that Nnaji has left a big vacuum, which might be difficult to fill. The nation needs a man with the deep knowledge of the industry.

"So, we need a new Minister who can hit the ground running from his or her first day in office.

"The President has been receiving recommendations and some advice but one thing that is sure is that Nigeria is never in short of experts.

"I think within a short time, the President will get the right peg to put in the right hole."

Responding to a question, the source said: "The President is being meticulous about the new choice because it is a technical area. This is not an appointment a government can rush to make.

"He can choose from within or outside the cabinet. What is important is the ability to provide technical and leadership direction. You will recall that the late Chief Bola Ige, ex-Governor Olusegun Agagu and Governor Liyel Imoke were at one time or the other in charge of power.

"Although most people favour fresh hands from outside, a few others are recommending active ministers, such as Nyesom Wike (Minister of State for Education); Olusegun Aganga (Trade and Investment); Mike Onolememen (Works) and Dr. Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina, for the job.

belemzy: Oga GEJ do what ever you think is right.

pendusky: Am still suprised we hav govt oficials that could resign without being sackd. Or did d man oversee danger ahead? Meself i be bankole i refused to comment on govt isues so as to live long. LOL

nagoma:

I may be wrong but I strongly believe GEJ was advised by the Americans to advicse Nnaji to step down so that transparency is ensured. No one else could have convinced Jona to accept the resignation.

nagoma:

I may be wrong but I strongly believe GEJ was advised by the Americans to advise Nnaji to step down so that transparency is ensured. No one else could have convinced Jona to accept this man's resignation. Except of course if they promised him ( Nnaji) half of the industry when it is privatized.

billante:

Wetin concern america with this one

But I wonder what will still happen if barth's company wins d bid!...they can't just make the man to resign and also not allow his company to compete....all I know the man is competent and should be allowed to partake in nigeria electricity sector.

Another thing I don't understand is why would he want to buy a power plant( afam power plant) while he already has his own(geometric power plant)

billante:

Wetin concern america with this one

But I wonder what will still happen if barth's company wins d bid!...they can't just make the man to resign and also not allow his company to compete....all I know the man is competent and should be allowed to partake in nigeria electricity sector.

Another thing I don't understand is why would he want to buy a power plant( afam power plant) while he already has his own(geometric power plant)

billante:

Another thing I don't understand is why would he want to buy a power plant( afam power plant) while he already has his own(geometric power plant)

soma042: [size=8pt]Dr Jonathan said he would replace Nnaji with another competent Igbo man.[/

i dont think that sounds cool, we need to find someone the cap fit most, most not be from 1 tribe.

soma042: [size=8pt]Dr Jonathan said he would replace Nnaji with another competent Igbo man.[/

i dont think that sounds cool, we need to find someone the cap fit most, most not be from 1 tribe.

kaeto: i am sorry hypocrite, every geopolitical zone has a ministerial quota, educated now?