Presidency Refutes Claims of Guaranteed 24-Hour Electricity
The Presidency has vehemently dismissed President Bola Tinubu’s assertion that he promised to deliver 24-hour electricity to all Nigerians during his 2023 election campaign, labeling it a “mischievous” factual error. In a pointed response issued on June 22, Special Assistant on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga clarified that Mr. Tinubu’s remarks in Lagos were not a commitment to round-the-clock power but instead aimed at addressing concerns regarding arbitrary billing practices. This statement comes in light of opposition leader Peter Obi’s call for the president’s immediate resignation, citing ongoing grid failures and economic challenges.
Opposition Leader Calls for Resignation
Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), argued for Tinubu’s resignation, drawing parallels with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who stepped down in response to public discontent. Obi reminded the electorate of the campaign pledge, in which Tinubu allegedly stated that he should not be reelected if he failed to provide uninterrupted electricity.
Phrases Taken Out of Context, Claims Aide
Onanuga firmly countered Obi’s narrative, insisting that the president’s statements had been misrepresented. He explained that Tinubu’s speech during the Lagos campaign was focussed on alleviating the financial burdens on consumers caused by non-transparent billing practices.
Exact Quote from the Campaign
Onanuga provided the following quote from Tinubu’s campaign: “You’ll get electricity in any way, by any means necessary, and you won’t have to pay the quoted bill any more. Every promise I make will be kept. If I run for a second term without keeping my word, please don’t vote for me unless I give you a good reason why I couldn’t deliver.” This emphasis underscores Tinubu’s broader commitment to rectifying injustices in the electricity sector.
Deliberate Misinterpretation, According to Officials
A presidential aide underscored that reinterpreting the speech to imply a commitment to guaranteed 24-hour electricity was a calculated effort by the opposition to mislead the public. This assertion highlights the contentious nature of political rhetoric in Nigeria’s current landscape.
Administration’s Energy Sector Achievements
In an effort to counter criticisms from the opposition, Onanuga pointed out significant structural advancements made by the Tinubu administration in the energy sector. He noted that the administration has enacted the Electricity Act, designed to decentralize electricity regulation, enabling states and private entities to independently generate and distribute power.
Investments in Energy Diversification
The government is also aggressively working to expand the distribution of prepaid meters across Nigeria, aiming to combat the inflated tariff structure that Tinubu pledged to reform. Additionally, there is significant investment in alternative energy sources, aimed at diversifying the country’s energy mix and bolstering long-term grid reliability.
