Africa-Press – Nigeria. An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Kano State, Alwan Hassan, has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his deputy, Senator Barau Jibrin, of deliberately stalling the confirmation of Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
Speaking during a press conference in Kano on Friday, Hassan said the two principal officers of the Senate were sabotaging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda by placing personal and political interests above national progress.
“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,” he said.
“Rather than supporting the administration in its efforts to build strong institutions and deliver progress, they resort to pressure tactics, intimidation, and the blackmail of appointees and nominees of Mr. President.”
Hassan described the case of Engr. Ramat as the most glaring example of what he called political interference and 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 said.
“Unfortunately, these two men are APC members who in public claim to support the President, but in private work against his decisions.”
The APC chieftain further alleged that Senator Barau Jibrin had repeatedly undermined qualified individuals from Kano State in federal appointments to maintain political control.
“This delay is not because Engr. Ramat does not merit the job, nor is it in the national interest, it is rooted in Senator Barau’s political machinations and personal selfish interests.”
Hassan listed several alleged instances of political interference linked to Senator Barau and Senator Akpabio, including, the alleged orchestration of 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 efforts to undermine Hon. Abba Bichi’s leadership in the House Appropriations Committee.
He said such actions were part of a broader attempt to personalise the leadership of Kano State while limiting opportunities for its citizens.
Defending the competence of the nominee, Hassan described Engr. Ramat as a brilliant young technocrat whose credentials are beyond question.
“At just 40, he represents a new generation of technocratic leadership, he is an electrical engineer with advanced degrees in telecommunications and strategic management, and trained at Gonzaga University, Microsoft, and Harvard.”
He added that Engr. Ramat had a strong record of modernising energy systems, reducing costs, and digitising governance structures in Kano State.
The APC chieftain urged the Senate to act swiftly in confirming Ramat’s appointment, saying it would send a positive signal that competence and merit still count in Nigeria’s public service.
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