By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Popular rights activist and Convener of the Recover Nigeria Project, Comrade Osita Obi, on Friday condemned the continued power outage experienced across the country during the Yuletide and called for the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, to resign forthwith.

He described the recent epileptic power supply, especially during Christmas celebration as not just a failure on the part of the Minister, but a proof that he cannot guarantee stable electricity in the country.

Obi said: "The recurring power outages experienced across the country at a time traditionally associated with increased energy demand, family gatherings and boom in economic activities is unacceptable and symptomatic of deeper leadership and capacity challenges within the power sector.

"Nigerians were “given darkness instead of light during this festive period. The inability of the Power Ministry to ensure improved electricity supply during Yuletide celebrations reflects a lack of preparedness and vision."

While insisting that the current state of affairs has further compounded the hardship already being faced by households and small businesses, the rights activist maintained that in a functional and accountable system, the Minister should not wait for public pressure before stepping down from the position.

He stressed that the Power Minister ought to “resign and tender an unreserved apology to Nigerians,” stressing that leadership demands responsibility, especially when outcomes fall far below public expectations.

Obi further questioned and criticized Adelabu’s suitability for the role, insisting that the Minister lacks the capacity required to head such a critical sector of the economy.

Describing the appointment as a mismatch, Obi said: "The Minister is “a square peg in a round hole. The Power sector requires visionary leadership capable of addressing Nigeria’s long-standing electricity challenges.

"Electricity supply is central to economic productivity, national development and quality of life. Persistent outages, particularly during festive periods, undermine public confidence in government and worsen social frustration."

"In a civilised clime, he should not wait for a call for his resignation before throwing in the towel. The man has no vision and capacity to lead a ministry like power ministry. He is a square peg in a round hole."