Senate Dismisses Bribery Claims in Tinubu’s Nominee Controversy
The Senate has rejected allegations that its leadership accepted a $10 million bribe to block the confirmation of President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Abdullahi Ramat. The claim was made by Alwan Hassan, a former Special Adviser to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and another APC chieftain, sparking a debate over the process of confirming the nominee.
In a statement released from Abuja, the Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, called the allegations baseless. He stated that the decision to step down Ramat’s screening was based on “public and private complaints” against the nominee, not any financial incentives. Adaramodu emphasized that the Senate has previously removed nominees due to adverse petitions and would not be influenced by public concerns or pressure to confirm any appointee under scrutiny.
He highlighted that the Senate is committed to addressing any issues raised against potential appointees. “The attention of the Senate has been drawn to the uncoordinated cacophony of one innocuous Alwan Hassan, who is a hand-tool to one Mr Abdullah Garba Ramat. Refreshing the memories of Nigerians, Ramat is the yet, but hard to be confirmed Chief Executive of the Nigerian Electricity Regulation Commission.”
Adaramodu noted that many nominees have faced similar situations due to public outcry. “The case of Mr Ramat is not an exemption.” He also accused Hassan of attempting to blackmail the Senate, stating, “Alwan has ludicrously alleged that the Senate was compromised by yet to be disclosed ghosts to reject the nomination and confirmation of Ramat.”
To prevent the public from being misled, the Senate clarified that Ramat has a history of public and private complaints against his nomination. Adaramodu stressed that the National Assembly will defend its integrity and warned that Hassan would face legal consequences if he fails to provide evidence of the alleged bribe.
“No-one can drag the institution of the National Assembly into public opprobrium with unfathomable allegations in order to arm-twist the legislature. The Senate would definitely engage Mr Alwan at the court, to provide Nigerians with the proof of his assertions,” he said.
Adaramodu added that lawmakers had no prior personal dealings with Ramat. “We don’t know and had no prior encounter with Ramat, until his nomination came for screening. The Senate is bound to listen and consider any issues raised against him by the people, who he was nominated to serve.”
Ramat’s confirmation remains suspended as further legislative and public reviews are conducted. The controversy continues to raise questions about transparency and accountability in the appointment process.
Key Points from the Senate Statement
- The Senate dismissed claims of a $10 million bribe to block the confirmation of Abdullahi Ramat.
- The allegations were made by Alwan Hassan, a former advisor to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
- The Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, called the claims baseless and stated that the decision was based on public and private complaints.
- Adaramodu emphasized that the Senate has removed nominees in the past due to adverse petitions.
- He accused Hassan of attempting to blackmail the Senate and warned that he would be compelled to provide evidence in court.
- The Senate stressed that it would defend its integrity and ensure transparency in the appointment process.
- Ramat’s confirmation remains pending as further reviews are conducted.