Pecohub The Senate has denied taking a $10million bribe to block the confirmation of President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for the Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Abdullahi Ramat.
The allegation made by a former Special Adviser to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Alwan Hassan.
And it has sparked controversy within political circles amid concerns about transparency in the appointment of regulatory heads in the power sector.
Ramat’s confirmation remains suspended pending further legislative and public review.
Reacting in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, dismissed the claim as baseless.
Adaramodu explained that the decision to step down Ramat’s screening was driven by “public and private complaints” lodged against the nominee, not by any financial inducement.
According to him, the Red Chamber could not ignore petitions and concerns raised over the nominee’s suitability.
Adaramodu noted that the chamber had, in the past, stepped down nominees following adverse petitions, insisting that the legislature would not be pressured into confirming any appointee under a cloud of public concern.
