For failure to delegate the necessary authority to the Manitoba management team seconded to reform the power transmission company of Nigeria, the Federal Government may forfeit N3.7 billion.
The government willfully entered into a contract with Canadian company, Manitoba Hydro approximately seven months ago. However since that time, the government has failed to live up to its side of the agreement, in what many analysts have chalked up to graft and intrigue. This may cost taxpayers N3.7 billion.
According to Chief Executive Officer designate of TCN sent from Manitoba, Mr. Don Priestman, despite President Jonathan’s intervention, the Manitoba team was still being kept on the sidelines.
He said, “There was a management in place before our arrival. The structure is still in place and decides what happens here.
“We signed the contract a long time ago. After a transition period of one month, we were supposed to receive the Delegated Authority. That has not yet happened. Without the Delegated Authority, we cannot take over. The contract was questioned at a point but the President finally said that it was in order.”
Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulation Commission, Dr. Sam Amadi, said his body had also intervened in the matter by writing to the Federal Government.
He said, “We have pointed out to the government what should be done. We said the contract should be concluded and that the government should give them the authority to perform. The earlier it is done the better.”