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FG Rejects Lagos’ Offer For Power Distribution Companies - Politics - Nairaland

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FG Rejects Lagos’ Offer For Power Distribution Companies by nep2ra(m): 9:06am On Apr 24, 2013
FG Declines Lagos’ Request For Power Distribution Companies

Gboyega Akinsanmi

Lagos State Government has disclosed that the federal government has declined its offer to acquire power distribution companies namely Eko and Ikeja Power Distribution Companies situated in the state.

The state government also rejected the plans of the federal government to sell the National Theatre without offering it the right of first refusal in line with the extant legal provision.
The state government noted that if the federal government decides to sell the edifice, it would challenge the action in court.

The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeola Ipaye, expressed the state’s disproval of the federal government’s decision on the power stations in an exclusive chat with THISDAY.

On the power distribution stations, the attorney-general explained that the state government had expressed interest out of anxiety and concern “to solve what we think was an eminently solvable problem.”

He added that lack of electricity “damages the Lagos economy more than any other state in Nigeria. However, we were not allowed to do so. Private companies were preferred. We are doing what we can by way of isolated power plants.”

Fielding questions on the planned sale of National Theatre, Ipaye said that the state government “is really not sure of the intentions of the federal government in this regard. However, we reiterate our readiness to take over, refurbish and use these heritage assets for their intended purposes.”

The attorney-general added that that the state government eminently “deserves of this opportunity. In a very real sense, we do have a stake in these monuments, having hosted the federal government as capital territory for so long and created the enabling environment for their establishment.”

“Apart from their being on Lagos soil, these monuments are an intimate part of the Lagos history and social scene. If anyone can be trusted to value and treasure them, it is the Lagos State Government.”

But he added that the state government “will no doubt consider the legal option if we are denied right of first refusal again. We feel very strongly about these monuments - for all the good reasons. In the meantime, we are focused on persuasion, hoping that the federal government will appreciate the obvious merit of our position.”

The comissioner clarified public debate that the proposal to extend tenure of the elected officials of the 57 local councils in the state had generated, noting that the proposal became necessary in order to put an end to public consternation and complaint over poor records of governance at the grassroots.

He explained that the elected official at the grassroots “spend the first year settling down, appreciating the demands of the office and generally orientating themselves. Let us assume that by the second year they have a fair grip and increasing efficiency, this is virtually lost by the third year.

“With elections approaching, they are heavily distracted. A lot of people have canvassed the harminisation of terms of office across the board, i.e., federal, state and local governments, so that we do not have what appears to be an unending political or electioneering season. In this light, we believe that the proposed amendment will make governments more efficient at the local level.

"If the amendment worthy of passage finally sails through as proposed, he said the serving political office holders at the local government level “will be at par with their colleagues at the state and federal levels.”

He stated that the councils’ elected officials would get a four-year term which, he said, was renewable once provided they “are reelected. After two terms, they will not be able to contest for the same position again.”

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Power (PTFP), Beks Dagogo-Jack, has attributed the reasons why the federal government has failed to so far to reach an agreement with members of the unions in the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to selfishness.

Speaking Tuesday at the signing ceremony of the various transaction documents in the ongoing power sector reform exercise and privatisation of successor companies, Dagogo-Jack said government’s prolonged negotiations with PHCN labour unions as regards payment of severance benefits to the workers were not unconnected with influence from people who have over time benefited from the lack of reforms in the sector.

He told journalists at the side-lines of the ceremony which was conducted by President Goodluck Jonathan alongside Vice-President Namadi Sambo at the State House that the alleged interests have got potentials to upstage negotiations in the settlement process.

“First and foremost, the labour settlement process is captured in an understanding and in that there are core elements, whatever is not represented in that understanding and brought out today is a renegotiation and you don’t renegotiate in a signed contract; I don’t think it will survive in the public arena and not to talk about the law courts because there are so many adjudication points that could be kicked in if any party to a contract discovers a renegotiation.”

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/fg-declines-lagos-request-for-power-distribution-companies/145811/
Re: FG Rejects Lagos’ Offer For Power Distribution Companies by ZUBY77(m): 9:12am On Apr 24, 2013
Dear Lagos state,
The federal govt is trying to privatize these things for effective management. Why would it sell it to another govt establishment?
Govt regimes are bound to change every four or eight years in every state. How do you plan to transit from the current govt to the future one especially when it comes to these structures. No, we want it in the hands of individual companies .

I will not be surprised when the bigots turn this into ACN vs PDP

54 Likes

Re: FG Rejects Lagos’ Offer For Power Distribution Companies by CROWE: 9:16am On Apr 24, 2013
lol, at least it is possible to sue the government in Nigeria, with all the shit that goes on in this country it is easy to forget some people live in concentration camp nations.
Re: FG Rejects Lagos’ Offer For Power Distribution Companies by superbloke(m): 9:23am On Apr 24, 2013
ZUBY77: Dear Lagos state,
The federal govt is trying to privatize these things for effective management. Why would it sell it to another govt establishment?
Govt regimes are bound to change every four or eight years in every state. How do you plan to transit from the current govt to the future one especially when it comes to these structures. No, we want it in the hands of individual companies .
But the Rivers state government is managing a huge power project for port harcourt. Why would Lagos not be able to do same?

15 Likes

Re: FG Rejects Lagos’ Offer For Power Distribution Companies by ZUBY77(m): 9:39am On Apr 24, 2013
superbloke:
But the Rivers state government is managing a huge power project for port harcourt. Why would Lagos not be able to do same?

Then we should concentrate on wrestling it away from Rivers state.
Not giving more out to other states.

Have you ever imagined what MTN, GLO and etisalat would have been if govt is managing them

8 Likes

Re: FG Rejects Lagos’ Offer For Power Distribution Companies by Boss13: 10:11am On Apr 24, 2013
With the corruption in this country! Please we understand the passion for Lagos State Govt to own a Power Distribution Company. However, Private companies are preferrable and we don't want the mediocre experience in PHCN to creep into Lagos.

5 Likes

Re: FG Rejects Lagos’ Offer For Power Distribution Companies by phantom(m): 10:22am On Apr 24, 2013
superbloke:
But the Rivers state government is managing a huge power project for port harcourt. Why would Lagos not be able to do same?
you re wrong.the rivers state government is generating power which still gets fed into the national grid but the the transmission and distribution are fully in the hands of the fed govt.

5 Likes

Re: FG Rejects Lagos’ Offer For Power Distribution Companies by fitzmayowa: 10:24am On Apr 24, 2013
na wa oooo power issue

1 Like

Re: FG Rejects Lagos’ Offer For Power Distribution Companies by Okijajuju1(m): 10:37am On Apr 24, 2013
phantom: you re wrong.the rivers state government is generating power which still gets fed into the national grid but the the transmission and distribution are fully in the hands of the fed govt.

Actually, Rivers State government is building alot of sub-stations in preparation for an aggressive move to remove Rivers State from the National grid.

@ Topic: I dont think it is wise for Lagos State government to buy any distribution companies.. Even the issue of the National Theatre sef, Fashola should remember that he would not be in power forever. He may be full of zeal and will but I doubt we would be able to say that for his successor. Rather than clamour to buy it outright, a system whereby a 40/60 ownership can be arranged with a private firm would be good. maybe even sell shares and stuff like that. But whatever it is, I don’t want Government to be involved in anything other than administrative work.

11 Likes

Re: FG Rejects Lagos’ Offer For Power Distribution Companies by TonySpike: 10:39am On Apr 24, 2013
[size=16pt]The Clash of the Titans: LASG VS FG[/size]



Now available on iMAX 3D

4 Likes

Re: FG Rejects Lagos’ Offer For Power Distribution Companies by vanstanzy(m): 10:41am On Apr 24, 2013
I can see false PRIDE on FGs' path. sad sad

2 Likes

Re: FG Rejects Lagos’ Offer For Power Distribution Companies by ramaju: 10:41am On Apr 24, 2013
ZUBY77: Dear Lagos state,
The federal govt is trying to privatize these things for effective management. Why would it sell it to another govt establishment?
Govt regimes are bound to change every four or eight years in every state. How do you plan to transit from the current govt to the future one especially when it comes to these structures. No, we want it in the hands of individual companies .

I will not be surprised when the bigots turn this into ACN vs PDP
I know the plan. Sell it to Lagos State and Tinubu will buy it from them at high discounted low price.

11 Likes

Re: FG Rejects Lagos’ Offer For Power Distribution Companies by TonySpike: 10:41am On Apr 24, 2013
cashflowpc: The only solution to the Nigeria power problem is Solar Energy.

And

As a matter of fact, solar energy is now cheaper!

As a trained Engineer, the statement above is a fallacy on the pedestal of hasty conclusion...QED

2 Likes

Re: FG Rejects Lagos’ Offer For Power Distribution Companies by boron10(m): 10:42am On Apr 24, 2013
The federal govt really did well to reject the move by the state government. One thing we all should realise is that Fashola will eventually hand over power to another government who might either be more effective or less than Fashola.

When the latter happens to be the case, mismanagement might set in and we would end up going back to square one.

Private company is the way forward, although there is the possibility of paying through our nose within the first few years of their taking over the distribution of power. cool
Re: FG Rejects Lagos’ Offer For Power Distribution Companies by vanstanzy(m): 10:42am On Apr 24, 2013
nep2ra: FG Declines Lagos’ Request For Power Distribution Companies

Gboyega Akinsanmi

Lagos State Government has disclosed that the federal government has declined its offer to acquire power distribution companies namely Eko and Ikeja Power Distribution Companies situated in the state.

The state government also rejected the plans of the federal government to sell the National Theatre without offering it the right of first refusal in line with the extant legal provision.
The state government noted that if the federal government decides to sell the edifice, it would challenge the action in court.

The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeola Ipaye, expressed the state’s disproval of the federal government’s decision on the power stations in an exclusive chat with THISDAY.

On the power distribution stations, the attorney-general explained that the state government had expressed interest out of anxiety and concern “to solve what we think was an eminently solvable problem.”

He added that lack of electricity “damages the Lagos economy more than any other state in Nigeria. However, we were not allowed to do so. Private companies were preferred. We are doing what we can by way of isolated power plants.”

Fielding questions on the planned sale of National Theatre, Ipaye said that the state government “is really not sure of the intentions of the federal government in this regard. However, we reiterate our readiness to take over, refurbish and use these heritage assets for their intended purposes.”

The attorney-general added that that the state government eminently “deserves of this opportunity. In a very real sense, we do have a stake in these monuments, having hosted the federal government as capital territory for so long and created the enabling environment for their establishment.”

“Apart from their being on Lagos soil, these monuments are an intimate part of the Lagos history and social scene. If anyone can be trusted to value and treasure them, it is the Lagos State Government.”

But he added that the state government “will no doubt consider the legal option if we are denied right of first refusal again. We feel very strongly about these monuments - for all the good reasons. In the meantime, we are focused on persuasion, hoping that the federal government will appreciate the obvious merit of our position.”

The comissioner clarified public debate that the proposal to extend tenure of the elected officials of the 57 local councils in the state had generated, noting that the proposal became necessary in order to put an end to public consternation and complaint over poor records of governance at the grassroots.

He explained that the elected official at the grassroots “spend the first year settling down, appreciating the demands of the office and generally orientating themselves. Let us assume that by the second year they have a fair grip and increasing efficiency, this is virtually lost by the third year.

“With elections approaching, they are heavily distracted. A lot of people have canvassed the harminisation of terms of office across the board, i.e., federal, state and local governments, so that we do not have what appears to be an unending political or electioneering season. In this light, we believe that the proposed amendment will make governments more efficient at the local level.

"If the amendment worthy of passage finally sails through as proposed, he said the serving political office holders at the local government level “will be at par with their colleagues at the state and federal levels.”

He stated that the councils’ elected officials would get a four-year term which, he said, was renewable once provided they “are reelected. After two terms, they will not be able to contest for the same position again.”

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Power (PTFP), Beks Dagogo-Jack, has attributed the reasons why the federal government has failed to so far to reach an agreement with members of the unions in the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to selfishness.

Speaking Tuesday at the signing ceremony of the various transaction documents in the ongoing power sector reform exercise and privatisation of successor companies, Dagogo-Jack said government’s prolonged negotiations with PHCN labour unions as regards payment of severance benefits to the workers were not unconnected with influence from people who have over time benefited from the lack of reforms in the sector.

He told journalists at the side-lines of the ceremony which was conducted by President Goodluck Jonathan alongside Vice-President Namadi Sambo at the State House that the alleged interests have got potentials to upstage negotiations in the settlement process.

“First and foremost, the labour settlement process is captured in an understanding and in that there are core elements, whatever is not represented in that understanding and brought out today is a renegotiation and you don’t renegotiate in a signed contract; I don’t think it will survive in the public arena and not to talk about the law courts because there are so many adjudication points that could be kicked in if any party to a contract discovers a renegotiation.”

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/fg-declines-lagos-request-for-power-distribution-companies/145811/

FG better accept this kind gesture from LASG or wallow in their penury.
Re: FG Rejects Lagos’ Offer For Power Distribution Companies by Nobody: 10:44am On Apr 24, 2013
Na bad belle dey worry FG

1 Like

Re: FG Rejects Lagos’ Offer For Power Distribution Companies by vizboy(m): 10:47am On Apr 24, 2013
Why sell to another government body rather sell the damn thing to a private company

1 Like

Re: FG Rejects Lagos’ Offer For Power Distribution Companies by Cocodiva: 10:48am On Apr 24, 2013
The FGN is just politicising the issue. We've seen what they have been able to do over the years with billions of naira down the drain. If Lagos state government wants to give it a shot,they should be allowed to afterall,they are coming out like any other prospective buyer.Going by the current trends of event in lagos,I think they will perform well.power situation in the country has crippled a lot of businesses and any way forward should be appreciated an not politicised.
Re: FG Rejects Lagos’ Offer For Power Distribution Companies by TonySpike: 10:48am On Apr 24, 2013
I might be wrong on this, but I think the acquisition of the DISCOs by LASG will never be 100% government owned. Like other LASG ventures, the government stake might not be more than 40%, to me this is reasonable. The DISCOs are investments entities and I don't think there's anything bad in LASG getting some piece of action if they have the financial balls...

On a lighter note, why is the FG scared of LASG #1MILLIONDOLLARQUESTION

1 Like

Re: FG Rejects Lagos’ Offer For Power Distribution Companies by tspun(m): 10:55am On Apr 24, 2013
instead of calling a meetin with all d governors to takle d issue of power u want to fight fed govt alone bcus u think u r too special. Rubish

7 Likes

Re: FG Rejects Lagos’ Offer For Power Distribution Companies by ewet: 10:59am On Apr 24, 2013
WHEN WIL WE SEIZE TO PLAY POLITICS WITH EVRY THNG IN THIS COUNTRY.IF STATES SEE THE NEED TO TAKE POCESSION OF INSFRACTRUCTURE IN THEIR DOMAINS FROM THE FG SO BE IT.IF ANYTHNG GOES WRONG WE WILL KNW WHO TO BLAME.

I KNW THE LASG WILL DO A WONDERFULL TRANSFORMATION TO THE NATIONAL THEATHER BY MAKING IT AN EDIFICE OF WORLD REPUTE.AND ON POWER THE LASG WILL BE ABLE TO PROVIDE EFFICIENT POWER FOR THE STATE AND BEYOND IF THY ARE HANDED THIS POWER COMPANIES.
Re: FG Rejects Lagos’ Offer For Power Distribution Companies by yuzedo: 11:02am On Apr 24, 2013
[b]Well, only a 60% share of the DISCOs was acquired by private investors with FG retaining 40% ownership. If Lagos State had REALLY been interested, why didn't they bid aggressively (and lose) like Edo, Delta and co. did for Benin DISCO? I'm sure Atedo Peterside and co would've shot down their bid anyway.. Just as he did that of their proxies Wale Tinubu (Oando) and to an extent Otudeko (Honeywell), even though they let one slip (won't mention his name)..

As it stands, they should concentrate on building GENCOs or/and IPPs if they're really serious. This might seem counter-productive since current laws mean that they'll have to feed generated power into national grid, which is why they want the DISCOs in Lagos.. LOL! Lagos State can like to go and sit down. Or if they're really really serious, invest/buy shares in the newly-acquired DISCOs.. I'm sure $100m equity funding for CAPEX will buy them a relevant slice in Eko or Ikeja DISCO.

Political grandstanding. FG doesn't want to have to deal with any state government on this power issue and that's the koko of the matter.
[/b]

7 Likes

Re: FG Rejects Lagos’ Offer For Power Distribution Companies by Nobody: 11:02am On Apr 24, 2013
Coco diva: The FGN is just politicising the issue. We've seen what they have been able to do over the years with billions of naira down the drain. If Lagos state government wants to give it a shot,they should be allowed to afterall,they are coming out like any other prospective buyer.Going by the current trends of event in lagos,I think they will perform well.power situation in the country has crippled a lot of businesses and any way forward should be appreciated an not politicised.

Are you intentionally trying to be slow?
It is in the process of being privatized and you're here saying they should give a chance to a state government

2 Likes

Re: FG Rejects Lagos’ Offer For Power Distribution Companies by ewet: 11:03am On Apr 24, 2013
ZUBY77: Dear Lagos state,
The federal govt is trying to privatize these things for effective management. Why would it sell it to another govt establishment?
Govt regimes are bound to change every four or eight years in every state. How do you plan to transit from the current govt to the future one especially when it comes to these structures. No, we want it in the hands of individual companies .

I will not be surprised when the bigots turn this into ACN vs PDP
The PDP will not seize from tryn to hold us by the jugular by trying to be in control of evry thng even if it defies all logic.It is best the FG lets go of ths control all mentality,it is really killing us and doin nobody anygood.
Re: FG Rejects Lagos’ Offer For Power Distribution Companies by vanstanzy(m): 11:04am On Apr 24, 2013
Verbes: See politics. Nigeria is so stinking.

Click Here

If u are a marketer, willing to market ur products, "Bad comment means Bad market!". Bad comment, same as

u're making right now. Heed this advice. wink wink wink
Re: FG Rejects Lagos’ Offer For Power Distribution Companies by akorlade(m): 11:06am On Apr 24, 2013
Has the lagos state goverment finished managing the TBS?

5 Likes

Re: FG Rejects Lagos’ Offer For Power Distribution Companies by SLIDEwaxie(m): 11:07am On Apr 24, 2013
ZUBY77:

Then we should concentrate on wrestling it away from Rivers state.
Not giving more out to other states.

Have you ever imagined what MTN, GLO and etisalat would have been if govt is managing them
who are 'we'?
I'm sure u aint referring to the masses as if 'we' av some power in decision making in Nigeria
Re: FG Rejects Lagos’ Offer For Power Distribution Companies by taharqa: 11:15am On Apr 24, 2013
ewet:
The PDP will not seize from tryn to hold us by the jugular by trying to be in control of evry thng even if it defies all logic.It is best the FG lets go of ths control all mentality,it is really killing us and doin nobody anygood.
This is d MOST IGNORANT comment on this thread, in spite of there bn many more of such comments here.... Plz keep yr Mouth SHUT wheneva you dont hv a clue about a tin. Just sm advice

1 Like

Re: FG Rejects Lagos’ Offer For Power Distribution Companies by thoth: 11:17am On Apr 24, 2013
ZUBY77: Dear Lagos state,
[size=16pt]The federal govt is trying to privatize these things for effective management.[/size] Why would it sell it to another govt establishment?
Govt regimes are bound to change every four or eight years in every state. How do you plan to transit from the current govt to the future one especially when it comes to these structures. No, we want it in the hands of individual companies .

I will not be surprised when the bigots turn this into ACN vs PDP

How do our people buy into this sort of reasoning? The Federal Government with its foreign neoliberal backers are trying to sell off every asset of interest to these financial vampires and that spells doom for Nigerians, in the name of privatization; Nigeria (meaning all the peripherals that marks its sovereignty) will be sold off, imagine where your federal government refuses to sell to the state but PREFERS a private investor, are you not alarmed ? how on earth can you link efficiency with private ownership ?

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