A coalition of civil society groups, human rights activists, and supporters of President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Engr. Abdullahi Ramat, on Tuesday staged a protest at the National Assembly, demanding his immediate confirmation.
The protesters, chanting solidarity songs and waving placards with inscriptions such as “President Tinubu Did Not Send Nominees to Be Harassed” and “Ramat Represents Reform in the Power Sector,” urged the Senate to expedite Ramat’s confirmation, which has been on hold since last month.
Their action follows the Senate’s decision to step down Ramat’s confirmation despite his successful screening by the Senate Committee on Power, chaired by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.
Speaking to journalists, Ahmed Suleiman, spokesperson of the Grassroots Initiative Concept and leader of the protest, accused “certain vested interests” of plotting to block Ramat’s appointment for political reasons.
“It is surprising and deeply unsettling that Engr. Ramat’s confirmation was stepped down despite his qualifications and the positive recommendation of the screening committee,” Suleiman said. “We have since learned that some individuals are pushing false narratives to discredit him.”
He added that the group had petitioned both President Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, warning that allowing political interference to override merit would set a dangerous precedent.
“The Senate must not yield to blackmail or manipulation,” Suleiman stressed. “Confirming Ramat will strengthen reforms in the power sector and serve national interest.”
The protest comes just days after the Senate threatened legal action against former presidential aide, Alwan Hassan, who alleged that lawmakers received a $10 million bribe to stall Ramat’s confirmation.
In response, Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, described the bribery claims as “baseless and reckless,” stating that the nominee’s confirmation was only delayed due to “public and private complaints” about his suitability.
“Many nominees have been stepped down due to public outcry. Mr. Ramat’s case is not an exception,” Adaramodu said, adding that the Senate would not confirm any nominee “under a cloud of public concern.”
For now, Ramat’s nomination remains pending as Nigerians continue to decry the high electricity tariffs and worsening power supply across the country.
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