APC chieftain begs Akpabio, Barau over $10m bribery allegation

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

A chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC in Kano, Alwan Hassan, has apologized to Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin over his recent claims that that they received $10 million in bribes to stall the confirmation of Engr. Abdullahi Ramat as chairperson of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

Hassan had addressed a press conference in Kano where he made the bribery allegation.

Reports indicate that he was arrested and briefly detained by the police over the allegation.

However, Hassan told journalists in Abuja on Tuesday that he has since realised that the bribery claim was not only untrue, but unfair.

Hassan said in the course of his advocacy for confirmation of Ramat, he granted interviews in which he made disparaging remarks about the Nigerian Senate, particularly the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin.

He said he had claimed that they received $10 million in bribes to stall Engr. Ramat’s confirmation.

“That allegation came from conversations I had while trying to understand the issues. I have since come to realise that the claim was not only untrue, but unfair and uncharitable to both the National Assembly and its leadership. I therefore retract that statement fully and unreservedly, and I apologise to the National Assembly and its leadership for those accusations,” he said.

Hassan also urged the Senate to confirm Ramat as the chairperson of NERC.

“I understand the seriousness of governance, particularly the critical role the parliament plays in our democracy. I do not take that role for granted. And it is precisely because of that respect that I once again, like Oliver Twist, appeal—humbly and sincerely—to the good conscience of our distinguished National Assembly to please take a second look at the case of Engr. Ramat Abdullahi and confirm him. I genuinely believe he is a worthy leader who can help transform the regulation of Nigeria’s energy sector.

“Once again, I extend my sincere apologies to anyone who may have been concerned about the intensity of my advocacy for Engr. Ramat. My lifelong commitment to causes I believe in is well known, but this experience has reinforced the importance of ensuring that such commitment is always expressed with full regard for due process and regard for our institutions. I remain firmly committed to championing what I believe is right—constructively, responsibly, and in a manner that strengthens our democratic values.”

Recall that Senate had denied the bribery allegation.

Yemi Adaramodu, the spokesperson for the Senate said a committee of the upper chamber had screened Ramat. He however said the Senate is deliberating on petitions against the nominee.