Kano APC Calls for Unity Amid NERC Appointment Controversy
The Kano state chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has expressed concern over the ongoing controversy surrounding the appointment of Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as the Executive Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). The party’s leadership has urged members to remain calm and avoid actions that could create divisions within the organization.
Prince Abdullahi Abbas, the chairman of the Kano APC, released a statement on Friday addressing the accusations and counter-accussions related to the confirmation of Engr. Ramat. He emphasized the need for unity among party members and warned against any behavior that might threaten the cohesion of the party.
Abbas pointed out that some remarks circulating among supporters of the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, and those aligned with the APC gubernatorial and deputy gubernatorial candidates, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna and Hon. Murtala Sule Garo, were unhelpful and damaging to the party’s unity.
He highlighted that the issue at hand falls under the constitutional responsibilities of the Presidency and the Nigerian Senate. While the President has the prerogative to make nominations, it is the Senate’s duty to screen and confirm nominees in accordance with the law.
Abbas reminded party members that despite political differences, the APC has always maintained a united front. He urged members not to let disagreements over a single appointment weaken the bonds that have held the party together for years.
The party chairman called for restraint, urging all sides to respect due process and allow the relevant institutions to perform their roles. He expressed confidence that both the Presidency and the National Assembly would handle the matter appropriately and in the best interest of the nation and the party.
Allegations of Bribery and Political Motives
Our correspondent reported that the All Tinubu/Barau Support Groups Coalition dismissed allegations that the Senate President, Senator Goodwill Obot Akpabio, and the Deputy Senate President, Dr. Barau Ibrahim Jibrin, received $10 million as a bribe to subvert the confirmation of Engr. Ramat as the Chairman of NERC.
The Convener/Director General of the Coalition, Comrade Hafizu Sani Liman, accused a group he described as “defunct” Gawuna Campaign Organization of masterminding the “blackmail” aimed at tarnishing the image of Dr. Barau Ibrahim Jibrin before the people of Kano.
Liman stated that Senator Barau remains a symbol of unity, integrity, and progress in Nigeria’s political landscape. He insisted that no amount of blackmail or propaganda could distract him from his constitutional duties or his mission to improve the welfare of the people of Kano North and the Nigerian nation.
He further dismissed what he called 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 on the confirmation of Engr. Ramat as Chairman of NERC.
According to Liman, the press conference, jointly addressed by Hon. Muhammadu Badaru Umar and Alwan Hassan, was filled with lies, mischief, misinformation, and fabrication by the leadership of the Gawuna Campaign Organisation. He noted that, as members of the APC, they should work together with the Deputy President of the Senate to restore the party’s glory in Kano.
Liman emphasized that, as Nigerians, it is well known that the President has the right to appoint anyone to public office, including NERC. Following the nomination of Engineer Ramat, the Deputy President of the Senate has lobbied colleagues to ensure the successful screening and confirmation of the nominee. The nominee can attest to this fact, as he has been involved in the process.
It is, therefore, misleading and absurd to suggest that Senator Barau is scheming to subvert the confirmation. The confirmation process route has not been completed. The screening has been carried out 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.