Atiku’s Aide Slams Power Minister Over 'Freezer' Comments Amidst Energy Crisis

Paul Ibe, Media Adviser to Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, has sharply criticized the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, for his recent comments regarding electricity supply in Nigeria. Tegbe, during the commissioning of a solar power project at Yakubu Gowon University, claimed that some Nigerians were asking him to “slow down” because their freezers were freezing too much.

The minister's remarks drew immediate backlash, particularly as he highlighted that some areas previously without power for three months were now enjoying up to 18 hours of electricity daily. However, Ibe questioned the credibility of these claims, pointing to official data that reveals a significant gap between Nigeria's installed electricity generation capacity and the actual power available.

He stated, “For real? The Tinubu government hears voices the rest of Nigeria cannot hear,” referencing the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission's April data, which showed only 4,286MW available for dispatch from an installed capacity of 13,625MW.

Ibe emphasized that while the minister joked about freezers, many Nigerians are struggling with rising energy costs and inflation that are impacting their quality of life. He argued that the government’s focus should be on addressing the pressing challenges faced by citizens rather than making light of the situation.

“While the minister hears freezers freezing, Nigerians hear generators roaring,” Ibe lamented, highlighting the disconnect between government rhetoric and the everyday realities of families and small businesses.

He further criticized the rising costs of alternative energy sources, pointing out that diesel prices have soared above N2,000 per litre in various regions. 

“The real story is not that Nigerians’ freezers are freezing. What is freezing is the quality of life of Nigerians,” Ibe stated, underscoring the urgent need for the government to prioritize reliable and affordable electricity supply.

Ibe concluded his remarks by calling for a shift in focus from lighthearted anecdotes to substantive improvements in the power sector. “Stop freezing their lives. Give Nigerians reliable and affordable electricity,” he urged.

As the energy crisis continues to affect daily life in Nigeria, the contrast between government claims and the experiences of ordinary citizens remains a critical issue in the lead-up to the upcoming elections.