Coalition reacts to claim of $10m bribe to stop confirmation of NERC Chairman

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

The All Tinubu/Barau Support Groups Coalition, has described as “blatant lies and cheap blackmail,” allegations that the Senate President, Senator Goodwill Akpabio and Deputy Barau Ibrahim Jibrin received $10 million bribe to subvert the confirmation of Abdullahi Garba Ramat, as the Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

The Convener/Director General of the Coalition, Comrade Hafizu Sani Liman said during a press Conference in Kano on Friday.

He accused the group which made the allegation of of masterminding a “blackmail” designed to tarnish the image of Jibrin before the people of Kano.

He said his group has already instructed lawyers to take action against the group over the bribery allegation.

According to him: “Regarding the allegations that the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, and Senator Barau were bribed $10 million to subvert Ramat’s confirmation, we have instructed our lawyers to initiate legal action against these alleged agents of mischief and lies.

“We call on well-meaning Nigerians, especially the people of Kano, to disregard these lies and see them for what they truly are — an attempt by frustrated political actors to discredit a man whose commitment to good governance and national development is evident to all.

“It is common knowledge that Senator Barau has supported and been instrumental in the appointment of many Kano indigenes to federal positions. He has, on numerous occasions, intervened and stood firmly in support of political appointees from Kano.

“He also sponsored the bill establishing the North-West Development Commission, facilitated the appointment of its MD/CEO, and supported the inclusion of board members in all the newly created development commissions.

So far, Senator Barau has secured employment for a considerable number of Kano State indigenes.

“Therefore, it is crucial to separate him from this fabricated lie and malicious statement by the Gawuna group.”

Liman insisted that Senator Barau remains a beacon of unity, integrity, and progress in Nigeria’s political landscape.

“No amount of blackmail or propaganda can distract him from his constitutional responsibilities or his mission to advance the welfare of the people of Kano North and the Nigerian nation at large. We stand firmly with him today, tomorrow, and always.”

Liman further dismissed what he described as, “the 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 Abdullahi Garba Ramat as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

“They organized the press conference solely to tarnish the hard-earned reputation of the Deputy President of the Senate and portray him in a bad light in the face of the good people of Kano State, who are solidly behind him.

“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, who by virtue of their membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) should team up with the Deputy President of the Senate to restore the glorious days of our party in Kano.”

According to him: “As Nigerians, we are all aware that, in line with our country’s constitution, it is the prerogative of the President to appoint whomever he wants to hold any public office in the country, including that of NERC.

“Following the nomination of Engineer Ramat, His Excellency, the Deputy President of the Senate, has lobbied his 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, mischievous and laughable for anyone 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.”