APC Chieftain Accuses Senate Leaders of Stalling NERC Appointment

A prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) member in Kano State, Alwan Hassan, has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his deputy, Senator Barau Jibrin, of deliberately delaying the confirmation of Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). Speaking at a press conference in Kano, Hassan said the two Senate leaders are putting personal and political interests ahead of national progress, thereby hindering President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda.

Hassan noted that some parliamentarians are trying to impose their own agendas on critical national appointments instead of supporting the administration’s efforts to build strong institutions and deliver progress. He cited Engr. Ramat’s case as a prime example of political interference and selfish manipulation within the ruling party. Although the President nominated Ramat and the Senate Committee on Power screened him, his confirmation has been stalled by the actions of Senate President Akpabio and Deputy Senator Jibrin.

The APC chieftain alleged that Senator Jibrin repeatedly undermines qualified individuals from Kano State in federal appointments to maintain political control. He listed several instances of alleged interference linked to Senator Barau and Senator Akpabio, including the removal of Abdullahi T. Gwarzo as Minister of State for Housing and the obstruction of federal opportunities for Dr. Nasiru Gawuna and Murtala Garo.

Describing Engr. Ramat as a brilliant young technocrat with advanced degrees in telecommunications and strategic management, Hassan highlighted his strong record of modernising energy systems in Kano State. He urged the Senate to confirm Ramat’s appointment swiftly, emphasizing that doing so would demonstrate the importance of competence and merit in Nigeria’s public service.

The delay in confirming Engr. Ramat has raised concerns about its impact on the country’s energy sector and the effectiveness of President Tinubu’s reform agenda. As the Senate continues to deliberate on the appointment, the outcome is likely to have significant implications for Nigeria’s progress and development.