Protesters Storm National Assembly Over NERC Nominee

Protesters under the banner of the Grassroots Initiative Concept, on Tuesday stormed the National Assembly, urging the Senate to immediately conclude the stalled confirmation of President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Engr. Abdullahi Ramat.

The protesters, comprising Ramat’s supporters, civil society organisations, and human rights activists, marched around the parliamentary complex chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards that read: “President Tinubu Did Not Send Nominees to be Harassed” and “Ramat Represents Reform in Power Sector.”

Speaking to journalists, the group’s spokesperson, Ahmed Suleiman, said they had formally petitioned both President Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, alleging that “certain vested interests” were working to frustrate Ramat’s confirmation despite his successful screening by the Senate Committee on Power chaired by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.

“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,” Suleiman said.

“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,” he added.

Suleiman insisted that Ramat “possesses the requisite academic and professional qualifications, as well as valuable experience,” describing the Senate’s decision to step down his confirmation on October 22 as “surprising and deeply unsettling.”

“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 such actions set “a dangerous precedent 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’s confirmation be concluded “in the national interest, the unity of Nigeria, and the success of the Tinubu administration.”

Tuesday’s protest follows the Senate’s decision last month to defer Ramat’s confirmation despite his clearance by the screening committee. It also comes just days after the Senate threatened legal action against former presidential aide Alwan Hassan, who alleged that lawmakers collected a $10 million bribe to block Ramat’s appointment.

The Senate is yet to announce a new date for the consideration of Ramat’s confirmation.

Source: Punch