Tarabans To Sale Mamman: Explain Why Mambilla Power ProjectSuffered Under Your Watch As Power Minister
Residents of Taraba State have intensified calls on former Minister of Power, Engr. Sale Mamman, to account for the slow progress of the MambillaHydroelectric Power Project during his tenure, as political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election begin to gather momentum.
The concerns, raised over the weekend by citizens, stakeholders, and political observers, centre on the multi-billion naira project located in Sardauna Local Government Area—one of Nigeria’s most ambitious power initiatives, expected to generate over 3,000 megawatts of electricity upon completion.
Despite its strategic importance to both Taraba State and the national grid, the project has suffered repeated delays spanning decades, with many residents expressing disappointment that significant milestones were not achieved while a Taraba indigene headed the Federal Ministry of Power.
Several residents described the period as a “missed opportunity” for the state to push forward a project widely seen as a potential economic game-changer capable of attracting investment, creating jobs, and boosting infrastructure development in the region.
“We expected that having a son of the soil as Minister of Power would accelerate the Mambilla project, but that did not happen,” a stakeholder said.
According to them, although the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari demonstrated commitment to the project—through approvals, financing arrangements, and policy backing—the expected level of execution was not fully realisedduring Mamman’s tenure.
Some critics further alleged that the project received inadequate attention at the ministerial level, describing the efforts as falling short of public expectations.
Beyond the Mambilla project, questions have also been raised regarding Mamman’s overall impact on Taraba State during his years in public office, with calls for him to present a clear record of achievements.
Some residents who spoke at the weekend said the state lost an opportunity to advance the long-delayed Mambilla project while a Taraba indigene headed the power ministry.
Abdulrahman Dalatu Bukar said the former minister did not make adequate use of the opportunity.
“This is a chance he may not have again. Tarabanswill reject him,” he said.
Amos Jev also questioned Mamman’s record, particularly on the power project.
“What did he tell the people about his stewardship and the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project?” he asked.
Daniel Kadson said expectations were high during Mamman’s tenure but noted that the project remained stalled.
“As Minister of Power from Taraba State, expectations were high, especially on the Mambillaproject, yet it remained stalled during that period despite reports that funds were released,” he said.
“With unresolved questions around public fund management, it is important these issues are addressed. Taraba deserves leadership built on integrity and results.”
Umar Juro said the former minister failed to utilisethe opportunity presented to him.
“Opportunity comes but once. When you were Minister of Power, what did you do for Taraba and Tarabans?” he asked.
Babangida Danjuma said residents were yet to see tangible impact from Mamman’s time in office.
“Tarabans are yet to clearly identify measurable contributions from the power sector that benefited the state during his tenure. Leadership should be anchored on proven results,” he said.
The comments come as Mamman declared his intention to contest the governorship election, saying Taraba lags behind neighbouring states in development.
During his declaration, he said the state faces challenges in education, the economy and social infrastructure, and pledged to reposition it if elected.
However, some residents said such promises should be weighed against his past performance in public office, particularly his role in the power sector.
The Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, located in Sardauna Local Government Area, has experienced delays over the years despite federal government commitments.
However Engr. Sale Mamman, has assured residents that he will transform the state if elected.
Mamman made the pledge while addressing supporters at his campaign office in Jalingo, where he was received by a large crowd on his return from Abuja.
The former Minister of Power expressed concern that Taraba State is still lagging behind more than three decades after its creation, attributing the situation to poor infrastructure and governance challenges.
“Taraba State was created 34 years ago, yet we remain behind in the delivery of good governance. This stagnation has led to a visible lack of infrastructural development that our people desperately need,” he said.
He explained that his visit to the state was part of ongoing consultations with supporters and stakeholders to determine his next political steps, which he said are aimed at offering an alternative direction for development.
Mamman noted that the state continues to trail neighbouringstates in key sectors such as education, the economy, and social infrastructure, stressing the need for a new approach to governance.
He urged residents to move away from voting along religious, ethnic, or sectional lines, and instead support leaders based on competence and credibility.
The aspirant also called on voters to prioritise unity and development in the 2027 elections, emphasizing that leadership should be driven by the collective interest of the people.
He reiterated that despite Taraba’s age, the state still faces significant governance and infrastructure deficits, adding that his administration would focus on addressing these challenges if given the mandate.
No comments