There’s a division within the National Association of Nigerian Students regarding the performance of Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu.
Adebayo faced recent criticism after the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission announced an increase in electricity tariffs for Band A consumers from N68 to N225 per kilowatt hour. Band A consumers are those who receive a minimum of 20 hours of electricity daily.
The factional Senate President of NANS, Akinteye Babatunde, voiced concerns about the deteriorating power situation under the minister’s leadership. He demanded Adelabu’s resignation, citing a perceived lack of progress in providing stable power.
In contrast, Ekundayo Elvis, another factional Senate President, disagreed with Babatunde’s evaluation. Elvis called for patience from Nigerians and emphasized the minister’s efforts in implementing reforms and driving projects to tackle challenges in the power sector, including generation, transmission, and distribution.
Elvis commended the minister’s dedication to completing power plant projects, addressing liquidity issues in the sector, and expanding rural electrification programs. He expressed confidence that Adelabu’s initiatives would result in improvements in power supply nationwide.
Despite criticisms from some quarters, Elvis reiterated support for the minister and condemned those who he believed were unfairly criticizing the ministry under his leadership for personal gain.
Elvis urged the minister to stay focused and not be influenced by detractors, assuring him of the student body’s support.