Senate says Tinubu’s NERC CEO nominee ‘carries baggage of complaints’

By Ayorinde Oluokun/ Abuja

The Senate has threatened to take legal action against those alleging that its members collected $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 described the allegation made by a group led by former presidential aide, Alwan Hassan as “false and reckless”.

The Senate’s denial was contained in a statement by Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu on Friday night.

Adaramodu said the Senate acted solely in response to “a weight of public and private petitions” trailing the nominee.

“The decision to step down Mr. Ramat’s screening was purely guided by public outcry and complaints against his nomination,” Adaramodu said.

“This is not the first time the Senate has taken such a position in deference to public concerns.”

The Senate spokesperson accused Hassan of being “a hired hand” attempting to blackmail the legislature, warning that the Senate would not allow itself to be dragged into disrepute.

“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 would institute legal action against Hassan to compel him to substantiate his bribery allegation before Nigerians.

“No one can tarnish the image of the National Assembly with baseless claims. We will meet him in court,” he said.

Adaramodu reaffirmed Senate’s commitment to transparent legislative processes.

He vowed that the Senate would ensure that every nominee passes through “a watertight and credible” confirmation exercise.

President Bola Tinubu had early last month written to the Senate, Seeking the confirmation of the appointment of Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as Chairman/CEO of NERC.

The letter was read at the floor of the Senate on Tuesday by the Senate President, Senator Godwill Akpabio.

The President had in August this year appointed Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as the new Chairman/CEO, NERC, subject to Senate confirmation.

He was appointed following the retirement of Engr. Sanusi Garba, who served as the NERC Chairman for the period of five years.

The delay in the screening of the 39 years old electrical engineer has also divided the Kano chapter of APC.