A former Special Adviser to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Alwan Hassan, today retracts his earlier claim that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin collect a $10 million bribe to block the confirmation of President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Abdullahi Ramat. Hassan now publicly apologizes for the allegation after facing strong backlash.
According to Mediaplusng.com, his apology comes one week after the Senate warns that it will take legal action over the claim, which sparks outrage across political circles. The allegation spreads at a time when the power sector is under intense public criticism over rising tariffs and constant blackouts.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Hassan explains that the controversy begins during his push for Ramat’s confirmation. He recalls that the Senate Committee on Power screens the nominee and “strongly recommends” him, only for his name to later disappear from the Senate Order Paper. Mediaplusng.com reports that Hassan admits he grants interviews where he repeats rumours that Akpabio and Barau take a $10m bribe — a claim he now says is completely misleading.
Hassan states, “I referenced a claim that they received $10m in bribes to stall Ramat’s confirmation. That allegation came from conversations I had while trying to understand the issues. I now realise the claim is untrue, unfair, and uncharitable to the National Assembly and its leadership.”
He officially withdraws the allegation and announces his willingness to tender a full public apology to the Senate, Akpabio, and Barau.
Last week, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu dismisses Hassan as “one innocuous Alwan Hassan,” insisting no bribe is offered or taken. He explains that the Senate steps down Ramat’s confirmation due to several public and private petitions. He emphasizes that many nominees face the same process when serious concerns arise.
The Senate also accuses Hassan of trying to blackmail the institution and vows to meet him in court to provide evidence for his claims.
Hassan now says his actions are driven by passion that “went too far,” thanking friends and political associates who supported him during what he describes as his engagement with the Nigerian Police Force.
For now, Ramat’s confirmation remains suspended as the Senate continues to review the petitions and concerns raised against his nomination.
