CSOs Fault Corruption Allegations Against TCN MD/CEO

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CSGGG) has dismissed reports that the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Engr. Sule Abdulazziz, allegedly bought an exotic car for the Minister of Power as a bribe.

Briefing journalists Tuesday in Abuja, President of CSGGG, Chief Ogakwu Dominic, said the allegation was an attempt to tarnish the image of Ahmed.

Dominic, said the CEO should be commended for initiatives he had brought to reshape the TCN.

He said: “Just recently an online media newspaper published a report on the current Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria where they alleged the MD of buying an exotic car for the Honorable minister of Power as a bribe without recourse to due process.

“This matter has been exhaustively trashed by the management of the TCN that approved the purchase of an official vehicle for the minister as part of the company’s responsibility to ensure the minister’s office effectively carry out its oversight responsibilities and not on the contrary.

“As CSOs we are duty bound to investigate any information we receive and ensure none is unjustly punished without appearing sentimental, self-seeking or unpatriotic.

“We have engaged the management of TCN and it is on record that the MD/CEO is a man that has instilled a standing and verifiable tradition of prudent management of scarce resources to which notable achievements have been recorded and will soon become visible as part of the Renewed Hope agenda of the current administration, as the decades of rots in sector cannot be wished away overnight.”

He added: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu understands the problems in the power sector and as a diligent and intelligent leader he has done his homework before affirming the continuation of Engr. Sule Abdulaziz in office.

“The MD/C.E.O who is doing his first term in office has been very transparent in the administration of the company. He has introduced several policies that have improved the efficiency of staff and operations in TCN.

“We do not support the current use of intimidation and harassment on the management of TCN as we believe that every Nigerian has the right to ventilate their anger through the Freedom of Information process provided by the law.

“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to guard his appointees against harassments and intimidations, especially those he has found worthy to continue with the renewed hope agenda. Engr. Sule Abdulazziz is a well-bred professional who is diligent in his administration of TCN.

“The bad reportage on him is largely due to vested interest within the organisation by those who have been affected by the reforms the MD is undertaking in TCN.”