Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has voiced strong criticism against the Federal Government, particularly targeting Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, asserting that the government has let down Nigerians.
Falana’s remarks came in response to Adelabu’s appearance before the Senate to defend the recent hike in electricity tariffs, which stirred widespread concern among Nigerians.
In a recent interview on Channels TV, Falana denounced the minister’s failure to address the legality concerns surrounding the tariff increment. He pointed out that Section 116 of the Electricity Act 2023 stipulates the necessity of a public hearing before any tariff hike can be approved, a step that was neglected in this instance.
Moreover, Falana expressed apprehension over the perceived impunity exhibited by the government and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). He highlighted the absence of explanations regarding the rationale behind the tariff increase and the disregard for directives ensuring uninterrupted power supply to certain customer bands.
Falana went on to allege that the Nigerian government is simply complying with directives from international financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, rather than prioritizing the welfare of its citizens.
His scathing critique underscores growing dissatisfaction among Nigerians regarding the government’s handling of critical issues such as electricity tariffs, signaling a pressing need for accountability and transparency in policymaking.