Former Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo has dismissed claims made earlier by Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, a former Minister of Budget and National Planning, who alleged that the 2013 power sector privatization was influenced by political interests rather than being based on the technical and financial capabilities of the buyers.
In a statement released by his Personal Secretary, Mr. Yinka Ibrahim, Sambo described the allegations as “false, mischievous, and hypocritical,” emphasizing that they were aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the Goodluck Jonathan administration and the National Council on Privatization, which he chaired at the time.
“My attention was drawn to a shocking statement attributed to Dr. Usman, suggesting that political considerations influenced the selection of preferred bidders during the privatization process. This is utterly ridiculous and a complete falsehood,” the statement declared.
Dr. Usman had made the remarks at a recent event in Abuja, claiming that political figures within the Jonathan administration vied for stakes in the privatized power companies.
Sambo, however, rejected these claims as unfounded, stating, “As Chairman of the Privatization Council, I carried out the responsibilities in line with established procedures and in the best interest of the nation, which was widely acknowledged by both local and international communities.”
He also noted, “It is on record that the Minister of Power at the time had to resign due to apparent conflict of interest in the privatization process.”
“And to further ensure transparency in the privatization process, Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies; the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) were included as statutory members of the Council.”
The statement challenged Dr. Usman to provide “specific detail of the ‘foul plays’ or names of persons or organizations he claimed was politically favored or compromised.”
Sambo questioned the timing and motive behind the former minister’s comments, pointing out that Dr. Usman was deeply involved in the privatization process and chaired several committees.
“It is surprising that he would make such accusations more than a decade later. One can only wonder if this is an attempt to curry favor with the current administration,” the statement added.
Finally, Sambo advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, to exercise caution in dealing with Dr. Usman, describing him as inconsistent and disloyal.
“It is unfortunate to see someone who was so close to power and indeed the privatization process now turning around to discredit it. This is a classic case of biting the hand that fed him,” the statement concluded.
