All Tinubu/Barau Support Groups Coalition Denounces Allegations as “Blatant Lies”
The All Tinubu/Barau Support Groups Coalition has strongly rejected allegations that the Senate President, Senator Goodwill Akpabio, and Deputy Barau Ibrahim Jibrin received $10 million in bribes to block the confirmation of Abdullahi Garba Ramat as the Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). The coalition has labeled these claims as “blatant lies and cheap blackmail.”
During a press conference held in Kano on Friday, the Convener/Director General of the coalition, Comrade Hafizu Sani Liman, accused the group making the allegations of orchestrating a “blackmail” campaign aimed at damaging the reputation of Jibrin among Kano residents.
Liman stated that the coalition has already directed its legal team to take action against the group for spreading the bribery allegations. He emphasized that these accusations are not only false but also part of a broader effort by “frustrated political actors” to undermine a leader known for his commitment to good governance and national development.
He highlighted that Senator Barau has consistently supported the appointment of many Kano indigenes to federal positions. His efforts have included intervening on behalf of political appointees from Kano and sponsoring legislation to establish the North-West Development Commission. Additionally, he played a key role in facilitating the appointment of the commission’s MD/CEO and supporting the inclusion of board members in newly created development commissions.
So far, Senator Barau has secured employment opportunities for numerous Kano State residents, further cementing his reputation as a champion of the region. Liman insisted that it is essential to separate him from the “fabricated lie and malicious statement” attributed to the Gawuna group.
Liman reiterated that Senator Barau remains a symbol of unity, integrity, and progress in Nigeria’s political arena. He added that no amount of blackmail or propaganda can divert him from his constitutional duties or his mission to improve the welfare of the people of Kano North and the Nigerian nation.
Dismissal of Allegations Against Deputy President of the Senate
Liman also dismissed what he described as “false, malicious, and politically motivated” allegations made against the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, CFR, by the defunct Gawuna Campaign Organisation. According to Liman, the organisation organized the press conference solely to tarnish the Deputy President’s hard-earned reputation and portray him negatively in front of the people of Kano, who are solidly behind him.
The press conference was jointly addressed by Hon. Muhammadu Badaru Umar and Alwan Hassan, who were accused of spreading “lies, mischief, misinformation, and fabrication.” Liman pointed out that, as members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), they should be working alongside the Deputy President of the Senate to restore the party’s former glory in Kano.
According to Liman, Nigerians are aware that the President has the constitutional right to appoint any individual to a public office, including NERC. Following the nomination of Engineer Ramat, the Deputy President of the Senate has lobbied his colleagues to ensure the successful screening and confirmation of the nominee. The nominee himself can attest to this, as he has been involved in the process.
Liman criticized the suggestion that Senator Barau is scheming to subvert the confirmation, calling it “mischievous and laughable.” He noted that the confirmation process is still ongoing, with the screening conducted by the Senate Committee on Power under the chairmanship of Senator Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe. The report is expected to be presented on the Senate floor soon.