The Nigerian Senate has denied claims that its leadership accepted a $10 million bribe to block the confirmation of President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Abdullahi Ramat.
The allegation, made by Alwan Hassan, a former Special Adviser to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, caused political stirrings amid concerns over transparency in appointing regulatory heads in the power sector. Ramat’s confirmation remains on hold pending further legislative and public review.
Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu, speaking in Abuja on Friday, described the allegation as baseless. He clarified that the decision to postpone Ramat’s screening arose from “public and private complaints” about the nominee, not any financial inducement.
“The Red Chamber cannot ignore petitions and concerns regarding a nominee’s suitability,” Adaramodu said, noting that it is standard practice for nominees to step down when faced with adverse petitions. “Many nominees have stepped down due to such public outcry. The case of Mr. Ramat is no exception.”
The spokesman also accused Hassan of attempting to blackmail the Senate, stating: “He has claimed that the Senate was compromised by yet-to-be-disclosed forces to reject the nomination. The truth is that Mr. Garba Ramat faces multiple public and private complaints regarding his nomination.”
Adaramodu added that the National Assembly would defend its integrity in court and that Hassan would be required to provide evidence for his claims.
“No one can drag the National Assembly into public disrepute with baseless allegations to pressure the legislature. We will engage Mr. Alwan in court to provide proof of his assertions,” he said.
He further emphasized that lawmakers had no prior dealings with Ramat. “We didn’t know him until his nomination came for screening. The Senate is bound to consider any issues raised against him by the public he was nominated to serve,” Adaramodu stated.
