By Chioma Obinna

Stakeholders in the power sector have expressed worry over the sudden resignation of the Power Minister, Prof. Barth Nnaji, warning President Goodluck Jonathan to be mindful of some Nigerians who may want to rock the ongoing reforms in the power sector due to their vested interest.

They specifically cautioned the president not to allow the relative stability in power supply witnessed under the leadership of the former minister to dwindle.

The stakeholders blamed the shocking resignation of the minister on those who allegedly do not want the success of the ongoing privatisation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, that has yielded some level of stability in power supply.

In his submission, the Managing Director of Blue Diamond Logistics, Mr. Festus Mbisiogu, who frowned at the manner Jonathan, received the resignation of the minister enjoined him to ensure that the next person that would head the ministry of power does not return the nation to darkness.

Mbisiogu who expressed worry that the minister’s exit might stall the ongoing reforms in the power sector, noted that stability in power supply witnessed in the country in the last few months was beginning to attract foreign investors.

Mbisiogu who is also the founder of Uzotex Foundation pointed out that the increase has reduced the amount of money spent by families on fuel and generating sets, while appealing to President Jonathan  to sustain the gains attained so far in the sector.

The Blue Diamond Logistics boss, who is noted for spearheading the quest for sustainable power supply in Nigeria, however, urged all parties in the ongoing negotiation between electricity workers and government in respect of their severance package to settle amicably.

Speaking, President of Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, APBN, Mr. Segun Ajanlekoko, who commended Nnaji for his remarkable contributions in the power sector, requested that nothing less than a professional should be allowed to head the sector.

Ajanlekoko said: “Nnaji has done well so far. I mean there is a significant improvement in our electricity production. I am enjoying some bits of light these days and a whole lot of people can see the improvement in the power sector. What we are appealing for government to is to ensure that whoever takes over, can continue that good work, he has done.