Buhari denies firing AEDC executives over Abuja blackout

President Muhammadu Buhari has refuted claims that he ordered the management of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to be fired over a workers’ strike that resulted in a power outage in Abuja and its surrounds.

According to a statement released by the presidency on Wednesday, Buhari could not have been so involved in the company’s operations since it was privatized.

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The President, according to a statement released by presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu, encouraged ongoing negotiations with appropriate parties to tackle the challenges surrounding the company’s recent developments.

“The Presidency wishes to respond to a news item circulating, attributed to the Minister of State for Power, claiming President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the sack and replacement of the management of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC,” the statement reads.

“This isn’t possible. The successor firms’ administration has reverted to the new owners since the privatization of the Power Sector in 2013. As a result, the President being tied to the management of a private firm, let alone sacking it, is completely out of place and unthinkable.

“It’s heartening to see that the Minister referenced in the statement has taken a stand against it.”

As a result, the Presidency wishes to announce unequivocally and reassure investors in the economy that President Buhari did not order the dismissal of AEDC’s management, nor does he plan to meddle in the operations of private businesses.

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“However, the Presidency welcomed ongoing conversations with essential players to resolve difficulties regarding the company’s recent developments.”