Group urges transparency as Yari assumes Geregu Power board role

Gaskraftwerk Geregu II in Nigeria. Mit einer installierten Leistung von 434 Megawatt leistet das Kraftwerk einen wichtigen Beitrag für den Ausbau der Stromversorgung des Landes.

The Geregu II gas-turbine power plant in Nigeria. With an installed capacity of 434 megawatts, the power plant is playing an important role in the expansion of the country’s power supply.

A civil society coalition has called for greater transparency from Abdulaziz Yari, former governor of Zamfara State, following his recent appointment as chairman of the board of Geregu Power Plc.

The group, Coalition for Public Asset Accountability (CPAA), said the appointment has drawn public attention to the importance of openness and accountability when former public office holders take on influential roles in the private sector.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday, the president of the coalition, Comrade Olumide Adebanjo, encouraged Yari to support public confidence. 

According to the statement, Yari’s new position in a key sector of the economy has renewed conversations around governance standards, asset management and financial transparency associated with public service.

The coalition stressed that it does not oppose Yari’s participation in the private sector, but maintained that transparency is essential for sustaining trust when former public officials transition into major corporate leadership roles.

Adebanjo said individuals who have held high public office have a continuing responsibility to promote openness, noting that clear disclosure helps strengthen democratic institutions and public confidence.

The group noted that transparency around past governance contributes to broader efforts to improve public trust and institutional credibility.

The coalition added that developments surrounding leadership changes in major corporate entities naturally attract public interest, and emphasised that ethical standards are important in both public service and private enterprise.

CPAA urged oversight institutions, including the CCB and relevant anti-corruption agencies, to carry out their statutory responsibilities in a professional and impartial manner.

According to the group, addressing transparency issues openly helps bridge the gap between public office and private influence and supports responsible leadership across sectors.