APC Tackles Governor Adeleke For Failing To Implement Electricity Act ahead of election As Oyebamiji Unveils Energy Plans
APC Tackles Governor Adeleke For Failing To Implement Electricity Act ahead of election As Oyebamiji Unveils Energy Plans
This is even as the party unveiled plans to launch a comprehensive energy development blueprint aimed at transforming the state’s power sector.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Council in Osun State has criticised Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration over the state’s alleged failure to domesticate and implement the Electricity Act 2023.
This is even as the party unveiled plans to launch a comprehensive energy development blueprint aimed at transforming the state’s power sector.
The opposition party disclosed that its governorship candidate, Munirudeen Oyebamiji has completed work on a Strategic Energy Agenda tagged “Powering Osun’s Future,” which it described as a practical roadmap for sustainable electricity development, industrial growth and energy security in the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Co-Chairperson of the Media and Publicity Committee of the Osun APC Governorship Campaign Council, Mrs. Funke Egbemode, the party argued that Osun has failed to take advantage of the constitutional and legal reforms that now allow states to play a more active role in electricity generation, transmission and distribution.
According to the APC, the legal foundation for state-led electricity development was established on March 17, 2023, when late former President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Fifth Alteration to the 1999 Constitution, removing electricity from the Exclusive Legislative List and granting states the authority to legislate across the electricity value chain.
The party further noted that the reforms were strengthened on June 9, 2023, when President Bola Tinubu assented to the Electricity Act 2023, which created a framework for state electricity markets and independent regulatory institutions.
Despite these developments, the APC alleged that Osun remains the only state in the South-West that has yet to fully domesticate and implement the provisions of the law.
“Regrettably, Osun remains the only state in South-West Nigeria that has yet to do anything tangible to fully domesticate and implement the Electricity Act 2023, despite possessing enormous strategic advantages in the power sector,” the statement said.
The statement further read, “Osun hosts the National Control Centre (NCC) of the national grid in Osogbo and serves as a major transmission hub for the South-West. The state also enjoys significant solar energy potential, viable hydro resources at Owala, Osun, Ila and Erin-Ijesa, and a growing mining and agro-industrial economy that is driving increasing energy demand.
“In line with his manifesto commitment on electricity access, industrialisation and full implementation of the Electricity Act 2023, the APC Governorship Candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, some months ago, inaugurated an Electric Power and Gas Infrastructure Technical Team comprising seasoned professionals to develop a practical roadmap for the sector.
“Preliminary feasibility assessments by the team indicate that Osun possesses the capacity to become a net exporter of electricity through a strategic combination of small hydro projects,thermal (Gas) , renewable power generation and effective utilisation of its transmission advantages.
“With the right policies and investments, the state can transition from being a passive consumer on the national grid to a net seller of electricity, creating jobs, attracting investment, generating revenue and enhancing energy security.
“The date for the official unveiling of the Strategic Energy Agenda will be announced shortly. The APC Campaign Council assures the people of Osun that the All Progressives Congress remains committed to delivering its promise of reliable electricity and accelerated industrial development.
“Upon Ambo’s inauguration as governor, a well-structured Integrated Resource Plan and sustainable power delivery architecture will be activated to unlock Osun’s vast energy potential to power the state’s economic transformation.”
