‘Rivers Set To Sell Power’

Rivers State may likely be the first state to sell power if the Federal Government’s electricity privatisation plans sail through next year, Governor Chibuike Amaechi has said.

The Governor gave the hint when he played host to members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Rivers State chapter at Government House on Wednesday in Port Harcourt.

He stated that the meeting was aimed at creating a platform for gauging state policies especially with professionals in the legal and medical sectors as he promised to make it an annual event.

Rt Hon Amaechi who used the forum to intimate the members of his policies and programmes stated that he was giving priority to the power sector as he had released about N30 billion to boost electricity distribution network for the power generated from the four gas turbines with planned construction of seven sub-stations across the state.

The Governor who explained the rationale behind the project said the state was currently generating 400 megawatts and would by next year generate over 700 megawatts, noting, “in the next one year, we will have 24 hour power supply in Port Harcourt. Because of that, we have released N30billion to the Ministry of Power to start distribution and they are about to sign the contract with Siba and all they need to build is sub-stations.”

He disclosed that the first three sub-stations would be located at Onne, Rumuolumeni and Rumuosi, while explaining that the one at Onne would provide power for the Oil and Gas Free Zone.

However, in total, he declared that the state Government was constructing seven sub-stations, “by the time they finish, we will have time to change the injection sub-stations. It is such that these transformers are close to the residents so that as soon as they finish the construction of the sub-stations, the injection sub-stations would not be a problem. Then, the people will have power in their houses”.

Against this backdrop, he stated that the residents would have to install pre-paid metres so as to enjoy power in their various homes.

In addition, he stated that the State was considering selling 70 percent of its power investments to a Nigerian company so that the fund could be utilised for other important things in the state.

Reacting to views expressed by some of the lawyers on the need to decentralise urban development, Amaechi remarked that the Greater Port Harcourt City Development project was geared towards spreading development to other areas and de-emphasise the one city status of the state.

The Governor explained that the project covers six local government areas including Obio/Akpor, Eleme, Ikwerre, Okrika, and Ogu-Bolo.

He maintained that once development got to the hinterlands, the congestion of the city would reduce.

Earlier, Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the State, Mr Wogu Boms commended the lawyers for attending the forum, describing the gesture as a demonstration of their stake in governance.

Also, Chairman of NBA, Barrister Patrice Okposi lauded the Governor for the interaction, stressing that such a platform would enhance democracy and instill a sense of belonging amongst the professionals.

He, however, urged the Governor to gazzette some of the laws made by the State House of Assembly and make it accessible for the public.

L-R: former President, Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Alhaji Issa Funtua, Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and CBN Governor, Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, during the town hall meeting on removal of petroleum subsidy, in Lagos, yesterday.