Enugu DisCo privatisation: Sambo denies favouring Interstate Electrics over Geometric

Namadi Sambo, former vice-president, says he did not unduly favour Interstate Electrics Limited in acquiring Enugu Distribution Company (DisCo) during its privatisation process.

Following the privatisation exercise in 2013, Interstate Electrics acquired 60 percent of Enugu DisCo from the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).

Reports had claimed Sambo favoured Interstate Electrics during the privatisation process when he served as chairman of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP).

The allegation came after Vice-President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the 188-megawatt geometric power plant, in the Aba ringfenced area, Abia state, on February 27.

The report also claimed the actualisation of Geometric Power project was frustrated, with rules allegedly violated to enable Interstate Electrics to acquire Enugu DisCo.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by Yinka Ibrahim, principal private secretary to the former vice-president, Sambo said the allegations were frivolous, irresponsible and mischievously orchestrated to discredit his reputation.

According to the statement, in almost five decades of his public service career, Sambo served diligently to the best of his ability, never using his position for personal gain or the advantage of his friends and associates.

Under his leadership, according to the statement, the NCP followed due process when selling government assets to successful bidders.

“The former Vice President had no vested interest in Interstate Electrics or any other privatised entity by the National Council on Privatization under his watch,” he said.

“The entire process of privatization was conducted in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and laid down rules and procedures.”

For the avoidance of doubt, Sambo said all records of privatisation process are available for verification.

“Interestingly, Prof. Barth Nnaji, the owner of Geometric and the Promoter of the Aba Power Project, was the Minister of Power and member of the Privatization Council during the period under review,” he said.

“Prof Barth was not only part of the decision-making process but led the implementation of all decisions as related to the power sector.

“It is therefore worrisome to note the claim by the writer that Mr. Sambo had any vested interest in Interstate Electrics and violated the process to enable it acquire Enugu Disco.”

Sambo said the publication is a deliberate attempt to rewrite history — more than a decade after the sale process.