[Senate President, Bukola Saraki]
*Sets up ad hoc c’tee to investigate power since 1999*
Senate on Thursday moved against the former President Olusegun Obasanjo and President Goodluck Jonathan as
the Upper Chamber set up ad hoc Committee to probe
management of funds appropriated for the power sector since 1999 and the unbundling of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria.
Others that may be investigated by Senate were former Ministers of Power like Senator Liyel Imoke, among others.
It was learnt that trillions of naira had been budgeted for power since 1999 without anything to show for it.
Senate decision was followed a motion sponsored by Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume who complained about the state of power in Nigeria and disconnection of Maiduguri from the National grid.
Senate also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to order the Transmission Company of Nigeria to reconnect Maiduguri back to the National Grid.
In addition, the senate strongly condemned the inability of the TCN to provide continuous and uninterrupted power supply to all parts of the country.
It also directed the Joint Task Force (JTF) to clear Maiduguri of insurgents and provide security for the TCN to reconnect the area to the National Grid.
It also urged the federal government to complete the Manbila power project.
Speaking on the motion, the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, said that inadequate power supply in the country has adversely affected economic growth and become a great concern to the nation.
In his words, “We thought that with the Power Reform Act and unbundling of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), we will begin to see a relieve with regard to power supply, unfortunately it is not so.
“The ad-hoc committee we will set up should look at the activities of the DISCOS and what is preventing Nigerians from benefiting from the unbundling of the PHCN.”
The Chairman of the ad hoc Committee is Abubakar Kyari.
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