President Goodluck Jonathan said on Monday in Abuja that with the successful conclusion of the sale of the country’s power generation and distribution companies, Nigerians will soon begin to enjoy the positive benefits of the privatisation of the sector.
Speaking at a audience with a delegation of the Anioma Peoples’ Congress led by the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Chike Edozien, Jonathan confirmed that all successful bidders for the power generation and distribution companies had completed the payments required to complete the sales process which, he said, was conducted in conformity with globally accepted standards and best practices.
“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 generations 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 assured the delegation.
The President said that his administration remained fully committed to significantly improving national infrastructure and will 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 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, or presidential support for the next governor of Delta State to emerge from Delta North, if Anioma State does not become a reality before 2015, Jonathan said that such political matters did not depend on him alone.
He, however, assured the delegation that his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) believed in equity and fairness to all, and that all Nigerians should have equal opportunities to participate in the political process and contribute to the country’s political growth and development.
In its address to the President presented by Prof. Edozien, the delegation thanked Jonathan for the commencement of work on the 2nd Niger Bridge and the approval of a Cargo Terminal at Asaba Airport.
The Anioma Peoples’ Congress 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,” the Congress told the President.
The delegation included several traditional rulers from the Delta North Senatorial District, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, Hon. Victor Nwokolo, Hon. Mercy Almona-Isei, Chief Sonny Odogwu, the Chairman of the Anioma Congress, Chief Ben Elue, Chief Peter Okocha and several other prominent sons and daughters of Aniomaland.
