BPE Restate Commitment to Transparent Privatization of Nitel

Dr. Christopher Anyanwu, director- general, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), has assured that the re-privatization of Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (Nitel) will follow due process and transparent.
Receiving the executive members of the Abuja Chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), led by Jacob Edi, its Chairman, during a courtesy visit to his office Anyanwu  maintained that BPE would not be cajoled to work outside the law in the resale process, stressing that “this time around, we must get it right”.
He however encouraged interested prospective investors who have not yet submitted their proposals to do so before the October 2, 2009 deadline; clarifying that those who did not to participate in the data room process for due diligence after paying the bidding document fee, should submit their technical and financial bid on or before Friday, October 2nd, 2009, which is the advertised deadline for the receipt of technical and financial bids.
He reiterated the resolve of the BPE to at all times remain neutral and transparent in all transactions.
He noted that 13 companies have so far expressed interest for the acquisition of at least 75 percent equity stake in Nitel at the deadline for receipt of Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from prospective investors, while the deadline for receipt of technical and financial proposals remains October 2, 2009.
The DG challenged the NUJ, to as a matter of urgency, flush out quacks from the profession as journalism is a noble trade and the fourth estate of the realm.
Edi appealed to the DG to be transparent and work within the ambit of the law in   discharging his mandate.
He urged the DG to take the Bureau and the reform programme of the government to greater heights, assuring that the chapter is willing to collaborate with the Bureau in achieving government’s stated objectives.
Edi reiterated the stance of the chapter on zero tolerance for fake journalists, announcing that in the last few months, three persons, masquerading as journalists have been apprehended and handed over to the law enforcement agencies for prosecution.