Kano APC urges calm as members fight dirty over NERC Chairman

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

The Kano state chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC), has reacted to the controversy trailing the appointment of Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat, as the Executive Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), calling for calm.

The state APC chairman, Prince Abdullahi Abbas, in a Statement on Friday, responded to the ongoing accusations and counter-accusations surrounding the confirmation of Engr. Ramat as NERC Executive Chairman.

Prince Abbas, cautioned party members in the state against actions and utterances that could create divisions within the party.

He expressed serious concern that the controversy, “is threatening to sow a seed of discord among party members and their various support groups in the state.”

The Kano APC chairman further noted that, “some of the remarks being circulated by 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, respectively, are unhelpful and detrimental to the unity of the party.

“The issue at hand falls squarely within the constitutional responsibilities of the Presidency and the Nigerian Senate.

“While it is the prerogative of the Presidency to make nominations for appointments, it is the duty of the Senate to screen and confirm such nominees in line with constitutional provisions.”

The party chairman reminded party members that despite the differences that often arise in politics, the APC has always been a united and cohesive family.

He urged members not to allow disagreements over a single appointment to weaken the bond that has held the party together over the years.

Prince Abbas called for restraint, urging all sides to respect due process and allow the relevant institutions to perform their constitutional 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.

Our Correspondent reports that the All Tinubu/Barau Support Groups Coalition, described as “blatant lies and cheap blackmail,” allegations that the Senate President, Senator Goodwill Obot Akpabio and the Deputy Senate President, Dr. Barau Ibrahim Jibrin, received $10 million, as 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, during a Press Conference in Kano, accused a group he described as “defunct” Gawuna Campaign Organization, of masterminding the “blackmail” designed to tarnish the image of Dr. Barau Ibrahim Jibrin, before the people of Kano.

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.”