Protest erupted at the National Assembly in Abuja on Tuesday as supporters of President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Engr. Abdullahi Ramat, demanded his immediate confirmation.
The protesters — a coalition of civil society groups, rights activists and Ramat’s supporters — marched around the National Assembly complex, chanting solidarity songs and displaying placards with inscriptions such as “Ramat Will Reform the Power Sector” and “Stop Politicising Regulatory Appointments.”
Their agitation follows the Senate’s decision in October to suspend Ramat’s confirmation despite his successful screening by the Senate Committee on Power, headed by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.
Speaking during the protest, the leader of the group and spokesperson of the Grassroots Initiative Concept, Ahmed Suleiman, insisted that the delay was influenced by “powerful vested interests.”
“We are here today to make it clear that the continuous delay in confirming Engr. Abdullahi Ramat is both unjust and politically motivated,” Suleiman said.
“He has all the qualifications and experience required. What we are seeing is an attempt to frustrate a competent Nigerian purely for political reasons.”
Suleiman added that the group had already written to both President Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio to intervene.
“It is shocking that after being recommended by the Senate screening committee, his name was still stepped down on the Order Paper. Certain interests are pushing false narratives to block his appointment,” he alleged.
“This sets a dangerous precedent where capable individuals are sacrificed to satisfy political agendas.”
However, the Senate maintains that the suspension of Ramat’s confirmation was due to petitions questioning his suitability.
Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, dismissed claims that lawmakers demanded a $10 million bribe to halt the process.
“The allegation is baseless and irresponsible,” Adaramodu said.
“His confirmation was stepped down because there were public and private complaints. This is not unusual. The Senate cannot be intimidated into taking decisions under pressure.”
He added that the Senate would pursue legal action to compel those behind the bribery allegation to provide evidence.
Ramat’s nomination remains on hold pending further legislative review, a situation unfolding amid nationwide frustration over increasing electricity tariffs and continued poor power supply.
The protesters urged the Senate leadership to conclude the confirmation “in the national interest.”
“We are only asking that the Senate do the right thing,” Suleiman said.
“Confirm Ramat so the power sector can have the reform-minded leadership it urgently needs.”
