Senate Denies Bribery Allegations and Threatens Legal Action
The Senate has issued a strong response to allegations that its members accepted a $10 million bribe to suspend the screening and confirmation of Mr. Abdullahi Ramat as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). The upper legislative chamber has labeled these claims as “false and reckless,” according to a statement released by the Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu.
Adaramodu emphasized that the Senate’s decision to halt the process was not based on any financial incentives but rather on a significant number of public and private petitions against the nominee. He stated that the action taken was in direct response to the widespread concerns raised by citizens and stakeholders.
“This is not the first time the Senate has taken such a position in deference to public concerns,” Adaramodu said. “The decision to step down Mr. Ramat’s screening was purely guided by public outcry and complaints against his nomination.”
The Senate spokesperson accused Alwan Hassan, the leader of the group making the allegations, of being a “hired hand” attempting to blackmail the legislature. Adaramodu warned that the Senate would not allow itself to be dragged into disrepute by such accusations.
“The Senate will not be intimidated by political mercenaries or satanic fabrications,” the statement read. “Mr. Ramat carries a baggage of complaints, and the Senate is bound to act responsibly when such concerns are raised.”
Adaramodu further revealed that the Senate plans to take legal action against Hassan to compel him to substantiate his bribery allegations before the public. “No one can tarnish the image of the National Assembly with baseless claims. We will meet him in court,” he said.
The Senate spokesperson reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to transparent legislative processes. He vowed that every nominee would go through a “watertight and credible” confirmation exercise to ensure accountability and integrity.
Background on the Nomination
President Bola Tinubu had written to the Senate earlier this month seeking the confirmation of Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as Chairman/CEO of NERC. The letter was presented at the floor of the Senate on Tuesday by the Senate President, Senator Godwill Akpabio.
Ramat was appointed in August this year following the retirement of Engr. Sanusi Garba, who had served as the NERC Chairman for five years. However, the delay in the screening of the 39-year-old electrical engineer has sparked internal divisions within the Kano chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Key Points
- The Senate has denied allegations of accepting a $10 million bribe to suspend the confirmation of Abdullahi Ramat.
- The decision to halt the process was attributed to public and private petitions against the nominee.
- The Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, described the allegations as false and reckless.
- Legal action is planned against Alwan Hassan, the leader of the group making the claims.
- The Senate remains committed to ensuring transparency in the confirmation process for all nominees.
- The delay in Ramat’s confirmation has caused internal disputes within the APC in Kano.