‘Absolute falsehood’ — Sam Amadi denies delaying Aba power project

Sam Amadi, former chairman of the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), says he did not work with anyone to delay the Aba independent power producer (IPP) project.

On February 27, 2024, Vice-President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the 188-megawatt geometric power plant in Aba, Abia state.

However, reports alleged that Amadi was complicit in frustrating Barth Nnaji, former chairman of Geometric Power Group and Aba Power.

Other persons listed include Namadi Sambo, then former vice-president of Nigeria; Emeka Offor, board chairman of Enugu Distribution Company (EEDC); Benjamin Dikki, former director-general of Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE); Mohammed Adoke, erstwhile attorney-general of the federation; and Anyim Pius Anyim, former senate president.

Commenting on the issue in a statement on Wednesday, Sam Amadi denied the allegations, saying “neither NERC nor I played key roles in the contract”.

As a regulator, he said NERC made it clear that its role was purely regulatory and not transactional.

“The contract between Prof Barth Nnaji and the federal government over the Aba Power project was entered in 2005, five years before I became Chairman of NERC,” the statement reads.

He said the contract required the federal government to allow Nnaji to operate the two business units in Ariaria and Osisioma, Aba, which are referred to as the “ring-fenced area”.

“Bart Nnaji also has a power plant to supply power to the ring-fenced area. The contract anticipates privatization and gives Aba Power the right of first refusal over the ring-fenced area whenever the federal government intends to sell the Enugu Distribution Company,” he said.

‘I WOULD RATHER RESIGN THAN SUBMIT TO DICTATES OF ANYONE OUTSIDE NERC’

The former NERC chairman said he would rather resign than submit to the dictates of any party outside the commission.

“The article tried to stain my reputation by suggesting that I worked on behalf of Anyim and Emeka Offor to delay or deny the completion of Aba Power project,” the statement reads.

“That is an absolute falsehood as the facts above attest. It is an insult to suggest I was beholding to Ayim Pius Ayim in doing my work as Chairman of NERC. As records show, in all circumstances, I acted on my understanding of what the law and facts require of me as a regulator.

“It is ironic that it was the same Anyim Pius Anyim who once told me that President Jonathan once said ‘Please let everyone allow Sam do his work. For once, let us have a man of courage and integrity who would not succumb to anyone’.

“I am proud that I maintained that integrity throughout my tenure at NERC. I am sure Prof Barth Nnaji knows me so well. He is not and cannot be part of this blatant lie.

“Whereas I need to correct the false statement against me, it should not obscure the great achievement of the moment.”

Amadi said the commissioning of the Aba power project demonstrates Nnaji’s commitment and resilience, as well as good fortune for Alex Otti, governor of Abia, and the people of the state.