NERC: Senate Explains Why Screening, Confirmation of Garba Ramat Was Stepped Down Denies $10m Bribery Allegation, Threatens Legal Action

By our Correspondent

The Nigerian Senate on Friday night clarified the reasons behind the suspension of the screening and confirmation of Mr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as Chief Executive of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), amid allegations of bribery aimed at frustrating the process.

A former Special Adviser to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Alwan Hassan, had accused the leadership of the 10th Senate of receiving a $10 million bribe to block Ramat’s confirmation as NERC Chairman.

Reacting to the allegation, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, described the claims as baseless and mischievous.

Adaramodu explained that the Senate decided to suspend the screening and confirmation of Ramat due to what he termed “a baggage of public and private complaints” surrounding his nomination.

He further recalled that several nominees had been stepped down in the past following public outcry and maintained that the case of Ramat was no exception.

“The Senate’s attention has been drawn to the uncoordinated cacophony of one innocuous Alwan Hassan, who appears to be a mouthpiece for Mr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat,” the statement read.

“Refreshing the memories of Nigerians, Mr. Ramat is yet to be confirmed as Chief Executive of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission. Mr. Alwan has ludicrously alleged that the Senate was compromised by undisclosed individuals to reject Mr. Ramat’s nomination and confirmation.

“For the unsuspecting public not to be misled by the false claims of this political mercenary, the Senate wishes to state that Mr. Ramat’s nomination attracted a series of public and private complaints. The Senate, as a responsible institution, is bound by law to pause any confirmation process under such circumstances. Many nominees have faced similar situations due to public outcry, and Mr. Ramat’s case is not an exception,” it stated.

The Senate emphasized that no one can drag the National Assembly into disrepute through blackmail or unfounded allegations, stressing that appointees must undergo a thorough and transparent screening process.

“The Senate will take legal action against Mr. Alwan to compel him to provide evidence for his claims. The National Assembly remains an institution of integrity, committed to respecting citizens’ views, opinions, and complaints through its oversight and constitutional functions,” the statement added.

Senator Adaramodu concluded by noting that the Senate had no prior relationship or dealings with Mr. Ramat before his nomination and was merely responding to concerns raised by the public about his suitability for the role.