News Obiaks News

In its support for the war against corruption and corrupt practices in Nigeria, the National Assembly has that it would ensure that those who siphoned public funds in the past face appropriate sanctions.
        According to reports, The statement was made on Monday, November 4, by the Senate president, Senator Ahmad Lawan, when the managing director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (PHCN), Joseph Chiedu Ugbo, led a delegation on a visit to the National Assembly, Abuja. It was gathered that the senate president said that expenditures have been made in the past in the power ministry, but added that there was no commensurate results from the expenditures. He said it was glaring that a few companies were milking this country dry, adding that the time has come for Nigeria as a country to get value for money sunk into the power sector. The Senate president also noted that the money spent on the power sector would not only provide light for Nigeria but also the neighbouring countries. He vowed that the current National Assembly would insist on accountability and transparency in the power sector, particularly in the application of funds proposed for it in the 2020 budget. Lawan noted that the Senate and House committees through the instrument of oversight would ensure the prudent application of all funds channeled to the power sector.
        The Senate president in a statement by his special assistant, press, Ezrel Tabiowo, said that the federal government had severally been shortchanged in agreements entered into with generating and distribution companies in the past. He, however, warned that those behind shortchanging the government through power deals would be held accountable for their actions. He said: “One of the challenges Nigeria is faced with today and for a very long time in the area of development is power. Until we are able to fix the power situation, development will continue to be difficult to achieve. “This is one area we will continue to give priority to ensure we are able to meet the targets. It’s not going to be easy, but the Government of President Muhammadu Buhari has shown clear determination in ensuring we get power fixed. “The power sector has been surrounded with controversies for a long time. When the NIPP started, so many things were said; some of which are true. Expenditures were made in the past, and we did not see commensurate results from the expenditures. It is something to worry about."