National grid collapse: Appointing Adelabu as Minister of power, a great disservice to Nigeria – HURIWA slams Tinubu

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for the immediate removal of the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu while reacting to the latest collapse of the national grid which occurred on October 14 and 15, 2024.

The group, in a statement signed by HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, argued that the Minister has shown high level of “gross incompetence”, adding that he is unfit for the role.

Onwubiko, said that Adelabu has been a revolving door for politicians who consistently fail to deliver results.

Onwubiko said, “Nigeria has had the misfortune of some of the worst species of politicians posted to the Ministry of Power in the last two decades.

“Most of them reportedly leave office with one anti-graft case or another, and they consistently fail to provide Nigerians with the electricity needed for industrial and economic growth.”

The national coordinator, criticized the President Tinubu for appointing a politician with no expertise in power management to such a strategic role, stating that electricity is the backbone of Nigeria’s economic advancement, small and medium-scale enterprises, and infrastructure development.

“We do not understand why President Tinubu considers it useful to have someone who brings nothing to the table as the Minister of Power.

“Electricity powers economic advancement. It drives small and medium-scale enterprises and is the engine of the nation in terms of infrastructure and capacity building.

“Appointing a round peg in a square hole for such a critical ministry is the greatest disservice this government has done to Nigeria,” Onwubiko added.

HURIWA pointed out that the government’s excuses for the grid collapses have consistently failed to align with the realities on the ground.

“For every failure, explanations of ‘system disturbance’ or infrastructure challenges are trotted out, but there has been no clear action plan to prevent further collapses.

“Historically, Nigeria’s power grid failures have been a recurring nightmare, with the grid collapsing multiple times each year.

“Under President Tinubu’s administration, the trend has worsened. In 2024 alone, the grid has collapsed seven times, worsening an already dire economic situation. Under the current government’s tenure, Nigerians have seen increased power outages, higher electricity tariffs, and little to no improvement in supply,” the organization noted.