TCN: Group wants smear campaign to stop and calls for unity to reform the power sector

 A coalition of civil society organizations has expressed concerns about a recent attempt to misinform the Nigerian public and sow unwarranted doubts about the government's operations. The group, acting under the aegis of the Network of Advocacy for Positive Impact Initiative, spoke through their Executive Secretary, Comrade Williams Bassey, while addressing the press in his office in Abuja.

Comrade Williams, flanked by the Executive Secretary of the Niger Delta Movement and the Arewa Youths Forum, vehemently opposes any narrative that seeks to undermine confidence in government institutions, arguing that any such thing must be examined carefully and responsibly to ensure that public discourse remains factual, balanced, and in the overall interest of the nation.

Speaking further, the coalition agreed that public allegations that question the integrity or operations of national institutions should not be allowed to degenerate into claims that could erode public trust and confidence.

While dismissing the allegations as broad claims, the coalition insists that there are well-established administrative and regulatory frameworks that include oversight by the Federal Ministry of Power and other relevant authorities capable of handling internal squabbles of this nature. “These mechanisms exist specifically to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance within government circles”, they stated.

The coalition reminded those concerned that raising serious allegations of the type making the rounds will amount to creating unnecessary tension within the Power Sector and inevitably shifting attention from the urgent task of strengthening Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure. “Even as non-professionals, we are aware of the need for emergency procedures to immediately fix destroyed national assets to protect lives and property”, they argued.

They reiterated that the power sector is too important to the nations economic future to be subjected to narratives that may undermine the ongoing reforms, modernization and operational efficiency adding that they are not lost on the fact that the TCN is also affected by budgetary constraints like other MDA’S.” People should take their time to study what TCN budgets yearly, what is approved by NASS and what gets to them eventually”, they stated.

While expressing confidence in the TCN Management, the group advises that issues concerning the Power Sector should be addressed through dialogue and evidence-based discussions rather than through public exchanges that may generate more confusion than tension.

They therefore call on stakeholders to approach matters relating to the Transmission Company with a sense of national responsibility, ensuring that discussions are guided by mutual respect for institutions and shared commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s power infrastructure

“The TCN has been working around the clock to ensure growth and safe delivery of electricity to Nigerian homes, and is least expected to be distracted by internal forces”, said members of the coalition, stressing that what is needed at this point is more of a

pragmatic and patriotic approach rather than internal rancor.

The concluded by stating that national institutions like TCN that are central to the functioning of the national economy must be supported, strengthened, and constructively scrutinized through proper channels, not weakened by wild allegations that may distort public perceptions!