APC leader retracts bribery accusation, begs Senate to confirm NERC nominee

APC leader retracts bribery accusation, begs Senate to confirm NERC nominee

In a major turnaround, All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Alwan Hassan, has withdrawn his earlier allegation that Nigerian senators received $10 million each to delay the confirmation of Abdullahi Ramat as chairperson of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

Hassan, a prominent party figure from Kano State, clarified on Tuesday that his comments were based on rumours gathered while trying to understand why the Senate had not confirmed the nominee.

“In the course of that advocacy, I granted interviews in which I made disparaging remarks about the Nigerian Senate, particularly the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin,” he said.

“I also referenced a claim alleging that they received $10 million in bribes to stall Engr. Ramat’s confirmation. 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.”

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Hassan was reportedly arrested shortly after making the allegation, which he had first disclosed to journalists weeks earlier.

President Bola Tinubu nominated Engr. Abdullahi Ramat for the NERC chairmanship in a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio on 7 October. The Senate Committee on Power, led by Enyinnaya Abaribe, screened the nominee, but the delayed confirmation triggered anxiety among his supporters.

A group of northern youths protested at the National Assembly last week, demanding Ramat’s confirmation.

Responding to concerns, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu said the delay stemmed from multiple petitions filed against the nominee, which must be resolved before confirmation.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Hassan publicly retracted his allegation.
“That allegation came from conversations I had while trying to understand the issues… I therefore retract that statement fully and unreservedly, and I apologise to the National Assembly and its leadership,” he said.

Despite the retraction, Hassan appealed to the Senate to consider confirming the nominee.

“I humbly and sincerely appeal to the distinguished National Assembly to take a second look at the case of Engr. Ramat Abdullahi. I believe he is a worthy leader who can transform Nigeria’s energy regulation sector.”

Hassan added that his experience underscored the need for advocacy to always respect due process and Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

APC leader retracts bribery accusation, begs Senate to confirm NERC nominee