Kano, November 8, 2025 – An APC chieftain 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 CEO of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
Speaking at a press conference in Kano on Friday, Hassan alleged that the Senate leaders were placing personal and political interests above national progress, thereby undermining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda.
“Some parliamentarians appear increasingly determined to act as obstacles to the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, seeking instead to impose their personal interests on critical national appointments,” Hassan said.
He accused the Senate leaders of using pressure tactics, intimidation, and blackmail against presidential appointees instead of supporting the administration’s efforts to strengthen institutions.
Hassan described Engr. Ramat’s stalled confirmation as a “glaring example” of political interference and alleged selfish manipulation within the ruling party.
“Despite being nominated by the President and screened by the Senate Committee on Power, Engr. Ramat’s confirmation has been stalled reportedly due to the actions of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and his Deputy, Senator Barau Jibrin,” he stated.
The APC chieftain further alleged that Senator Barau had consistently undermined qualified individuals from Kano State in federal appointments to maintain political control, claiming that the delay was not due to Ramat’s competence but political machinations.
Hassan cited several alleged instances of interference linked to the Senate leaders, including the removal of Abdullahi T. Gwarzo as Minister of State for Housing, obstruction of federal opportunities for Dr. Nasiru Gawuna and Murtala Garo, replacement of Maryam Shetti as Managing Director of the NWDC, and attempts to weaken Hon. Abba Bichi’s leadership in the House Appropriations Committee.
Defending Ramat’s credentials, Hassan described him as a “brilliant young technocrat” with a proven track record in modernising energy systems, reducing costs, and digitising governance structures. He added that at 40, Ramat holds advanced degrees in telecommunications and strategic management and has trained at Gonzaga University, Microsoft, and Harvard University.
Hassan urged the Senate to confirm Ramat’s appointment promptly, asserting that doing so would demonstrate that merit and competence remain valued in Nigeria’s public service.