File Dr. Goodluck Jonathan

advertisement

The Council, which is chaired by Vice-President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, met in the State House, during which the sum of N43.29bn was approved for the rehabilitation of existing Power Holding Company of Nigeria infrastructure.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, which was attended by contractors handling the projects, Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan said that already, moves by the Federal Government to complete the NIPPs have come under attack.

"As at today, even efforts of the Federal Government to ensure completion of the NIPPs are even being attacked (in the press).

"Somebody has an interest to ensure that whatever we are doing fails.

"The problem of power in this country did not start today. Each time government tries to move there is always somebody who ties a rope and pulls government back.

"It is a complex thing, it is a big cartel", Uduaghan said.

He further enjoined those involved to search their consciences, saying, "You who is supplying generator, are you comfortable?

"Ghana today has 24 hours power; why can't we have it?", he queried.

However, the governor stressed that President Umaru Yar'Adua is determined to ensure that Nigerians enjoy 24 hours power supply.

Earlier, while disclosing decisions arrived at the meeting, Uduaghan said a budget on N43.293bn for the rehabilitation of existing PHCN infrastructure was approved by the NIPP Steering Council.

He said, the money would be sourced from a consolidated account contributed to by the federal, state and local governments for implementation of plans to revive the power sector.

The establishment of the contributory account was agreed to at a meeting of the National Economic Council in 2008, and was subject to approvals by the various state assemblies, as well as the National Assembly.