Fresh controversy over the stalled confirmation of President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Abdullahi Ramat, escalated on Tuesday as scores of protesters stormed the National Assembly, urging the Senate to conclude the process without further delay.

The demonstrators, comprising Ramat’s supporters, civil society groups, and rights activists, marched around the parliamentary complex, chanting solidarity songs and waving placards such as “President Tinubu Did Not Send Nominees to be Harassed” and “Ramat Represents Reform in Power Sector.”

The protest scene…Photo: Adebayo Folorunsho-Francis

Their protest followed last month’s decision by the Senate to step down Ramat’s confirmation despite his successful screening by the Senate Committee on Power, chaired by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.

Leader of the protesters and spokesperson of the Grassroots Initiative Concept, Ahmed Suleiman, told journalists that they had formally petitioned both Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, insisting that “certain vested interests” were working to derail a credible appointment.

“We write as proud indigenes of Kano State, just like the Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Barau Jibril, to express our firm commitment to the peace, progress, and good governance of our great nation.

“It is in this regard that we respectfully bring to your attention a matter of significant concern: the yet-to-be-concluded confirmation of our son, Engr. Abdullahi Ramat, as NERC Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,” Suleiman said.

He argued that Ramat “possesses the requisite academic and professional qualifications, as well as valuable experience,” adding that it was “surprising and deeply unsettling” that his name was stepped down on the Senate Order Paper on October 22 despite being recommended by the screening panel.

“We have since been informed that certain vested interests have mounted pressure to block his confirmation by advancing false narratives and politically-motivated petitions,” he alleged, warning that “a dangerous precedent is being set; one where Nigeria’s most capable hands are subjected to the vindictive whims of politics.”

The protesters appealed to the Senate leadership “not to yield to the machinations of those who do not wish Nigeria well,” urging that Ramat be confirmed “in the national interest, the unity of Nigeria, and the success of the Tinubu administration.”

The renewed agitation comes four days after the Senate threatened legal action against former Presidential aide Alwan Hassan for alleging that lawmakers collected a $10 million bribe to block Ramat’s confirmation.

Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, dismissed the bribery claims as “baseless,” saying the nominee’s confirmation was stepped down due to “public and private complaints” over his suitability.

“The attention of the Senate has been drawn to the uncoordinated cacophony of one innocuous Alwan Hassan, who is a hand-tool to one Mr Abdullah Garba Ramat.

“Many nominees have been stepped down due to such public outcry. The case of Mr Ramat is not an exception,” Adaramodu said.

The Senate has vowed to compel Hassan to provide evidence in court, maintaining that it would not be pressured into confirming any nominee “under a cloud of public concern.”

Ramat’s nomination remains suspended pending further legislative and public review, amid heightened national frustration over electricity tariffs and poor power supply across the country. (PUNCH)