Former Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo has vehemently denied allegations that the 2013 power sector privatisation process was manipulated for political gains during the Goodluck Jonathan administration.
In a strongly worded statement released by his personal secretary, Mr. Yinka Ibrahim, Sambo described the claims made by Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, former Minister of Budget and National Planning, as "false, mischievous, and hypocritical."
"My attention was drawn to a shocking statement attributed to Dr. Usman, suggesting that political considerations influenced the selection of preferred bidders during the privatisation process. This is ridiculous and a complete falsehood," the statement read.
Transparency Claims and Counter-Allegations
Sambo, who chaired the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) during the privatisation exercise, insisted that the process was conducted with integrity and in strict adherence to established guidelines.
"It is on record that the minister of Power at the time resigned due to a conflict of interest, and both the EFCC and ICPC were included in the Council to ensure transparency," he stated. "There was no decision taken under my leadership that compromised the integrity of the process."
Dr. Usman had reportedly alleged at a recent public event in Abuja that political figures and government officials in the Jonathan administration scrambled for stakes in the privatised power companies.
Challenge to Provide Evidence
The former vice president challenged Dr. Usman to provide concrete evidence or name any individuals or organisations allegedly favoured for political reasons during the privatisation process.
He also questioned the timing of the allegations, noting that they came more than ten years after the privatisation exercise and that Dr. Usman himself played an active role in the process, chairing multiple committees.
"It's baffling that he's making these allegations more than ten years later. One can only wonder if this is an effort to curry favour with the current administration," Sambo remarked.
Warning to Current Administration
In a pointed conclusion to his statement, Sambo advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, to be wary of Dr. Usman's intentions, describing his recent comments as "a classic case of biting the hand that fed him."
The 2013 power sector privatisation remains a contentious topic in Nigerian politics, with ongoing debates about its impact on the country's electricity supply challenges.
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