The Akwa Ibom State Government has replied its critics, dismissing as misleading and unfounded, an open letter questioning the composition of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission (AKSERC).
Government in a release in response to an open letter addressed to Governor Umo Eno by Mr Collins Ette Jackson, insisted that the appointments were based on merit, professional competence and extensive experience in electricity regulation, engineering, energy economics and public sector governance.
Commissioner for Information, Hon Aniekan Umanah, cautioned against persistent negativism by individuals who appear determined to see nothing good in the efforts of the state government to reform and transform the states power sector.
Umanah said that claims regarding the alleged lack of statutory and technical competence within AKSERC were based on selective interpretation of the law and a poor understanding of the professional qualifications of the commissions members.
Defending the qualification of the commissions chairperson Ms Arit Uya, Umanah said she is a seasoned regulatory governance expert with more than two decades of experience, including substantive service within the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
He affirmed that her experience spans electricity sector regulation, consumer protection, regulatory compliance, stakeholder management and institutional development within Nigerias electricity governance ecosystem.
On Dr Kalu Ukoha, Umanah described him as one of Africas leading electricity sector reform experts with over 28 years of experience advising governments and institutions across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda and The Gambia.
Umanah pointed out that Mr Paul Okon has extensive expertise in electricity market economics, regulatory affairs and energy governance, backed by academic qualifications in Statistics, Business Administraiton and Energy Studies, as well as over a decade of experience within Nigerias electricity industry.
He also highlighted the role of Dr Valerie Obot, a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power, whose contributions to electricity sector reforms and institutional development in Akwa Ibom have spanned several years.
Engineer Ubong Etukudo, Umanah emphasized, is a COREN certified engineer who brings significant experience from both electricity regulation and power generation operations, having served within NERC and the power generation sector.
On claims that the commission does not satisfy the requirements of Section 34 of the Electricity Act 2023, the commissioner maintained that the law requires a blend of expertise in electricity regulation, engineering, economics, finance, law and related disciplines rather than limiting appointments to any single professional category.
While reaffirming governments commitment to transparency and accountability, Umanah cautioned against attempts to undermine strategic institutions through misinformation and urged commentators to ensure that public discourse is guided by facts, professional realities and a proper understanding of the law.
