As Nigeria continues to grapple with the problem of power outage almost a year after President Muhammadu Buhari was sworn–in, some Nigerians have called on the president to urgently unbundle the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing so as to ensure productivity.
The ministry, which were hitherto separate entities were fused into one by Buhari and assigned to former Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola.
In a statement on Thursday, a socio- political group, Rescue Nigeria Economy Project said it is high time the president realises his mistake and allow Fashola focus on one ministry.
The statement signed by its Executive Secretary, Dennis Alamu-George said the current situation in the country has clearly shown that Fashola lack what it takes to combine the three ministries.
“The president should in the interest of Nigeria do away with the idea of having a Super Minister. From what we have seen so far, Fashola is overwhelmed with the challenges of managing the three ministries. He is focusing on Power alone, while the two other ministries are suffering”.
“If the president is really concerned about moving Nigeria forward, he should take the ministries of Works and Housing from him and assign to others”.
“Let Fashola focus on Power alone. From what we have seen, the problem in the Ministry of Power is too complex and Fashola cannot solve everything in the next four years. Why compound it with two powerful ministries again?” he asked.
Also aligning with the group’s position, former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja branch, Monday Ubani said the recent actions of the minister has clearly shown that he is incapable of effectively managing the three ministries.
“I am saying that with what is happening now, it is becoming obvious that Fashola is overwhelmed. The Ministries of Power, Works and Housing under him should be unbundled and he should be allowed to handle only one, maybe Works”.
“I believe Fashola took a wrong decision with the increase in tariff because there has been no corresponding return in services rendered. So, the president should consider removing the Ministry of Power from him and give it somebody that is competent to handle it. If this government does not get it right with power, it will be regarded as a failed government” .
“The president should bring in a competent person who has the much needed experience in the sector, maybe someone like Prof. Barth Nnaji once again. Nnaji, as we know carried out a comprehensive reform in the power sector before he was prematurely removed by the former president. But the reality is that Fashola is overwhelmed” he said.
