Don’t beat around the bush, give us answers,” Group Responds to Senate on NERC Boss Confirmation Delay

The Grassroots Initiative Concept (GRIC) has issued a formal rejoinder to the Nigerian Senate addressing the delay in confirming Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), urging transparency and due process in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. GRIC reaffirmed its respect for the Senate’s institutional role, noting that the Senate Committee on Power had screened, cleared, and recommended Engr. Ramat, and that only one petition which was dismissed for lack of merit, was received during the process.

“If indeed it was implied that Engr. Ramat’s confirmation was delayed due to a “baggage of complaints,” this does not reflect the official record of the Senate Committee on Power, chaired by the highly respected Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.

The records show that Engr. Ramat was screened, cleared, and recommended for confirmation by the committee after a thorough process. Only one petition, questioning his years of experience, was received. After careful evaluation, it was found to be without merit and dismissed.

Several members of the committee have confirmed that the report recommending his confirmation was completed and submitted to the Senate leadership on 22nd October 2025, with copies circulated among members.

The GRIC is in possession of this report, which clearly recommends his confirmation. However, out of respect for the Senate and its internal procedures, we have refrained from releasing it publicly. We trust the distinguished leadership of the Senate to handle this matter with the dignity and discretion it deserves,” the group stated.

The group further stressed that while another nominee screened the same day was confirmed, Ramat’s confirmation has remained pending without explanation.

GRIC appealed to the Senate to clarify on whether the delay is procedural or administrative, emphasising that public confidence in the Senate depends on openness and fairness. It highlighted concerns over mixed public messaging, including comments suggesting “complaints” against the nominee, which contradict the committee’s official findings.

Reiterating support for democratic institutions and President Tinubu’s reform agenda, GRIC called on the Senate’s leadership to uphold transparency, reassure Nigerians and international observers of the Senate’s credibility, and avoid perceptions of political interference.

The group also clarified that references to alleged bribery were based on public speculation, not accusations, and reaffirmed its respect for Senate leadership and confidence that the matter will be resolved with integrity and statesmanship.

Read the Full Rejoinder Statement of GRIC

Senate: Why We Halted Ramat’s Confirmation as NERC Chair —A Rejoinder

The recent statement attributed to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), regarding the delayed confirmation of Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has generated understandable public concern and discussion across the country.

At a time when His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is driving the Renewed Hope Agenda founded on fairness, competence, and youth inclusion, the role of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a stabilizing pillar of democracy remains indispensable. The credibility and moral authority of the Senate, our foremost legislative body, are essential to sustaining the trust and confidence of the Nigerian people and the international community.

We, the Grassroot Initiave Concept (GRIC), wish to emphasize that we hold the Senate in the highest possible esteem. It is one of the most respected parliaments in Africa, a custodian of the people’s will, and a beacon of legislative excellence. Our intention, therefore, is not to criticize but to clarify facts, defend due process, and safeguard the Senate’s integrity, which remains the foundation of Nigeria’s democratic governance.

1. On the Alleged “Baggage of Public and Private Complaints”

If indeed it was implied that Engr. Ramat’s confirmation was delayed due to a “baggage of complaints,” this does not reflect the official record of the Senate Committee on Power, chaired by the highly respected Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.

The records show that Engr. Ramat was screened, cleared, and recommended for confirmation by the committee after a thorough process. Only one petition, questioning his years of experience, was received. After careful evaluation, it was found to be without merit and dismissed.

Several members of the committee have confirmed that the report recommending his confirmation was completed and submitted to the Senate leadership on 22nd October 2025, with copies circulated among members.

The GRIC is in possession of this report, which clearly recommends his confirmation. However, out of respect for the Senate and its internal procedures, we have refrained from releasing it publicly. We trust the distinguished leadership of the Senate to handle this matter with the dignity and discretion it deserves.

We remain grateful to the Senate President, His Excellency Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON, and the Deputy Senate President, His Excellency Senator Barau I. Jibrin, CON, for their tireless service to the nation. We are fully aware of the enormous responsibility they shoulder in managing the affairs of the Senate and maintaining harmony between the executive and legislative arms of government.

It is in this same spirit of respect and national loyalty that we humbly appeal for clarification as to why the report of the Committee on Power, completed and repeatedly requested for enlistment, has not yet been presented before the full Senate.

2. Senate Procedure and the Question of Delay

By established legislative tradition:

1. The President nominates a candidate.

2. The Senate President refers the nomination to the appropriate committee.

3. The committee screens and submits its report.

4. The Senate deliberates and votes for confirmation or rejection.

In this instance, the Committee on Power faithfully fulfilled its mandate and submitted its report. Yet, while Malam Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, who was screened on the same day, was confirmed as Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Engr. Ramat’s confirmation has remained pending without public explanation.

We are not questioning the Senate’s prerogative, which we recognize and respect fully, but merely appealing for clarity and transparency to prevent unnecessary public misunderstanding.

The Nigerian people hold the Senate in very high regard. A simple clarification will help strengthen that trust and reaffirm the Senate’s reputation as a transparent and impartial arm of government.

3. Key Questions for Clarification

With utmost humility and respect, we seek clarification on the following:

1. If the Committee on Power cleared and recommended Engr. Ramat, why has the report not been presented to the plenary?

2. Why have the Committee’s repeated pleas for enlistment of the report not yet received consideration?

3. Can the distinguished Senate leadership kindly help Nigerians understand whether this delay is procedural, administrative, or otherwise?

We raise these questions not in defiance, but in trust —trust in the Senate’s moral authority and in its history of fairness and justice.

4. Our Stand and National Appeal

This intervention is not about defending an individual but about defending institutional integrity and renewing national faith in democratic institutions.

We represent a broad coalition of patriotic Nigerians, especially young professionals, who deeply believe that the success of the Tinubu administration and the credibility of the 10th Senate are mutually reinforcing.

Our purpose is non-partisan, guided by the conviction that due process, merit, and transparency must continue to define governance in Nigeria.

In light of recent international observations, including comments by the President of the United States on governance and institutional credibility in Nigeria, it is imperative that our institutions, especially the revered Senate, continue to embody transparency, dignity, and independence.

We therefore appeal, respectfully yet earnestly, to the distinguished leadership of the 10th Senate, under Senator Godswill Akpabio and Senator Barau Jibrin, to help Nigerians understand and resolve this matter in the interest of truth, justice, and the image of our nation.

We have absolute confidence that the 10th Senate, guided by its history of fairness and patriotism, will act with wisdom and statesmanship to reaffirm the trust that Nigerians and the world community have long placed in it.

Lastly, On The Alleged $10 Million Bribe Claim:

The statement suggesting that the confirmation of Engr. Ramat was linked to an alleged $10 million bribe is inaccurate and unfairly presented.

For the record, Mr. Alwan’s remarks were purely a reflection of public speculation. He was careful and conditional, using the word “allegedly,” which clearly indicated that he was not accusing the Senate or its leadership of wrongdoing.

The concern raised was about perceptions of political interference, not an indictment of the Senate or any of its distinguished leaders. We therefore respectfully urge that this context be properly understood and communicated.

We reaffirm our deepest respect for the Senate leadership, its distinguished members, and its longstanding tradition of integrity, wisdom, and national service. The Senate has consistently demonstrated a commitment to transparency and justice, and we believe this situation will be handled in that same noble spirit.

Signed:

Ahmed I. Suleiman

(Spokes Person)

Grassroots Initiative Concept (GRIC)

Abuja, Nigeria

Date: 8th November 2025