Yar'Adua suspends NERC boss, commissioners
Written by Emma Ujah Abuja Bureau Chief
Thursday, 19 February 2009

ABUJA—PRESIDENT Umaru Yar’Adua has suspended the Chairman of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Ransom Owan and his commissioners in line with the recommendations of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) which is currently investigating allegations of graft leveled against them.
The President also appointed the commission’s Secretary, Mr. Imamuddeen Talba to oversee the affairs of the organization till further notice.

Dr. Rilwanu Babalola, the Minister of Power told journalists in Abuja, yesterday, that the suspension was to give the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) free hand to undertake full investigation into the alleged financial misconduct against the top officials.

“Based on its preliminary findings, the EFCC recommended to the federal government the suspension of the commissioners to allow it proceed with detailed and unfettered investigation of the matter.

“Following the recommendation of the EFCC, President Yar’Adua approved the suspension of the seven commissioners of NERC pending the resolution of the matter,” Babalola disclosed.

Dr. Babalola dispelled allegations that the arrest of Dr. Owan and his commissioners was a script written by those who wanted them out of office, noting that there was no basis for such a script and that ‘there was no script whatsoever’.

“The president is not interfering in the matter. I have no reason whatsoever to interfere in the matter. From this side, we prefer to work by facts. There has been allegations and these allegations are being investigated. There is no script. I can assure you that there is no script.

Let us not speculate. Let’s wait and see whether the allegations are true or not.”
The minister also clarified that those raising questions on whether or not the president had power to suspend the affected officials ‘must appreciate the fact that the law setting up the NERC provides that the president appoints the commissioners and could therefore ask them to vacate office.

According to him, it is only when the president wants to terminate the appointment of the commissioners that he would require Senate approval.

The minister who said that the nation’s power generation had fallen to between 3,000 to 3, 200 megawatts admitted that it was a shame for a country of over 140 million to be talking of such low power generation.

He was, however, not forthcoming when asked how long it would take president Yar’Adua to declare emergency in the power sector as he promised, early into his administration.

He said the power sector crisis had lasted a long time due to long term neglect but did not say when the emergency would be declared.

Babalola who did not say how long Mr. Talba would oversee NERC said he would be assisted by Engr. Alex Amakom.

We the masses can only pray for the president to have more courage to deal with those sabotaging his government. Everybody pray o.