Senate Denies $10m Bribe Allegation Over Screening Of NERC Chairmanship Nominee

The Senate has broken its silence on the suspension of the screening and confirmation of Mr. Abdullahi Ramat as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

The upper legislative chamber described the allegation that its leaders collected $10 million to block Ramat’s appointment as “false and reckless”.

A former aide to ex–Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Alwan Hassan, had claimed that the Senate leadership received bribe to frustrate Ramat’s confirmation.

In a swift reaction on Friday night, Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, dismissed the claim as baseless, insisting that the Red Chamber 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.”

He 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.

The Senate reaffirmed its commitment to transparent legislative processes and vowed to ensure that every nominee passes through “a watertight and credible” confirmation exercise.