By John Alechenu, Abuja
The Nigerian Senate has dismissed claims that it received a $10 million bribe to delay the screening and confirmation of President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat.
The allegation was made by Alwan Hassan, a former Special Adviser to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who claimed that the 10th Senate under Godswill Akpabio was compromised to frustrate Ramat’s confirmation.
However, the Senate explained that the confirmation process was deliberately put on hold due to petitions and public complaints filed against the nominee.
Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, described the bribery claim as baseless and unfounded in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday.
According to Adaramodu, the decision to step down the confirmation was consistent with past practices, as “many nominees have been delayed or stepped down due to public outcry.” He urged Nigerians not to be misled by unsubstantiated allegations of bribery.
The Senate statement read in part: “The attention of the Senate has been drawn to the uncoordinated claims by Mr. Alwan Hassan, who is politically aligned with Mr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat. Mr. Hassan alleges, without evidence, that the Senate was compromised to reject Ramat’s nomination.
“For the public not to be swayed by these claims, the Senate wishes to clarify that Mr. Garba Ramat has a baggage of public and private complaints against his nomination. The National Assembly is legally obliged to consider any issues raised against nominees. Many appointments have been stepped down due to such concerns, and Ramat’s case is no exception.
“No individual can drag the Senate into disrepute through unfounded allegations or attempt to arm-twist the legislature. Nigerians deserve nominees who undergo thorough, transparent screening rather than those seeking to bypass due process.”
The statement concluded that the Senate may engage Alwan Hassan in court to provide evidence supporting his allegations, emphasizing that the legislature respects citizens’ views and is committed to due process and legislative oversight.
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