The Senate has explained the suspension of the screening and confirmation of Mr. Abdullahi Ramat as chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), describing as “false and reckless” the allegation that its leaders collected $10 million to block the appointment.
The allegation, made by Alwan Hassan, a former aide to ex–vice president Yemi Osinbajo, claimed that the Senate leadership had been bribed to frustrate Ramat’s confirmation.
In a reaction on Friday night, Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, dismissed the claim as baseless, saying 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 said, “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.
