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A group of
professionals on the platform of the ruling People’s Democratic Party
(PDP) – “Coalition 2011 PDP” – commended Acting President Goodluck
Jonathan for taking charge of the Ministry of Power in the face of the
energy crisis facing the country and the fruitless efforts by former
ministers to tackle the situation.

The group spoke in
Abuja yesterday describing Mr. Jonathan’s action as “an indication of
his understanding of the seriousness of the crisis and his commitment
to fast-track the evolution of solutions.” Last December, Mr. Jonathan
apologised to Nigerians for the federal government’s inability to
redeem its pledge of providing 6,000 megawatts of electricity by the
end of 2009.

Upon reconstituting
the Executive Council of the Federation (EXCOF) last week, he had named
himself in charge of the Power ministry for the time being, but to be
assisted by a minister of state.

The USA coordinator
of the group, Adepoju Adekunle, said the measure can be likened to a
quiet declaration of a state of emergency in the sector.

Mr. Adekunle said
it was noteworthy that the acting president recognized the shortness of
time left to the administration to deliver on its mandate and urged him
“to maximize the goodwill he enjoys now to leave indelible marks of
success and achievements in the minds of Nigerians.”

More praise

The coalition’s
coordinator also reminded Jonathan that expectations are also high on
the issues of electoral reforms and anti-corruption as these are also
key “determinants of the success of his tenure.” He also called on
Jonathan not to be distracted by the antics of his opponents who are
using President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s illness to cause confusion and
cast the acting president in a bad light.

“He is sympathetic
to the plight of President Yar’Adua, which is rare in the face of the
insults by members of the so-called cabal. An ambitious leader would
have striven to undermine the status quo,” said Mr. Adekunle.

“He should be
congratulated for possessing the right qualities and encouraged to
deliver on the administration’s promises.” Mr. Adekunle pointed out
that Mr. Jonathan’s invitation to the United States by President Barack
Obama was an indication of world leaders’ acceptance of the acting
president and his ability to lead the nation in the aftermath of
President Yar’Adua’s illness.