Protesters on Tuesday besieged the National Assembly in Abuja, calling on the Senate to immediately confirm President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Engr. Abdullahi Ramat. The demonstrators, who comprised Ramat’s supporters, members of civil society organisations and human rights activists, marched around the complex with placards bearing inscriptions …
Protesters Storm N’Assembly, Demand Senate Confirmation of Ramat As NERC Chairman
Protesters on Tuesday besieged the National Assembly in Abuja, calling on the Senate to immediately confirm President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Engr. Abdullahi Ramat.
The demonstrators, who comprised Ramat’s supporters, members of civil society organisations and human rights activists, marched around the complex with placards bearing inscriptions such as “President Tinubu Did Not Send Nominees to Be Harassed” and “Ramat Represents Reform in the Power Sector.”
Their protest followed the Senate’s decision last month to suspend Ramat’s confirmation, despite a successful screening by the Senate Committee on Power, chaired by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.
Convener Warns of Political Interference
Addressing newsmen, the leader of the group and spokesperson for the Grassroots Initiative Concept, Ahmed Suleiman, said they had submitted petitions to both President Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, alleging that “certain vested interests” were working behind the scenes to frustrate the appointment.
“We write as proud indigenes of Kano State, just like the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, to reaffirm our commitment to peace and good governance,” Suleiman stated.
“It is surprising and disturbing that Engr Ramat’s confirmation was stepped down despite his qualifications and the positive recommendation of the screening committee.
“We have since learnt that some vested interests are pushing false narratives to discredit him,” he added.
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The group cautioned that political interference in the confirmation process could set a dangerous precedent, warning that capable Nigerians might be sidelined for personal or political reasons.
They urged the Senate leadership not to succumb to “blackmail or manipulation”, insisting that confirming Ramat would serve the national interest and advance ongoing power sector reforms under the Tinubu administration.
Tuesday’s protest came just days after the Senate threatened legal action against former presidential aide Alwan Hassan, who accused lawmakers of collecting a $10 million bribe to halt Ramat’s confirmation.
Reacting to the allegation, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu dismissed it as “baseless and reckless”, clarifying that the nomination was stepped down due to “public and private complaints” regarding Ramat’s suitability for the role.
“Many nominees have stepped down due to public outcry. Mr Ramat’s case is not an exception,” Adaramodu said.
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He added that the Senate would compel Hassan to provide evidence in court, maintaining that no nominee would be confirmed “under a cloud of public concern.”
For now, Ramat’s nomination remains pending as the Senate continues its legislative review amid public frustration over rising electricity tariffs and persistent power supply challenges across the country.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
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