The Police have questioned Alwan Hassan, the individual who accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his Deputy, Barau Jibrin, of accepting a $10 million bribe to obstruct the confirmation of Abdullahi Garba Ramat as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
In an interview conducted in Kano last week, Alwan alleged that influential power sector players, specifically the Gencos and Discos, paid the Senate leadership to prevent Ramat’s confirmation.
“There is a serious claim that the Gencos and Discos paid Akpabio and Barau $10 million to undermine his confirmation. Nigerians must enjoy the services they pay for, and that is why the industry players became jittery,” he stated.
Reports indicate that the police have summoned Alwan to present evidence supporting his accusations against the top Senate officials.
“It is based on the allegation against the President of the Senate and his Deputy. Let him explain further who the industry players are, when the money was given, and where? We need him to provide all this information,” the police revealed.
The Senate had previously dismissed the bribery claim as false.
Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, rejected the claim as deliberately misleading.
He clarified that the Senate suspended Ramat’s screening due to several petitions and complaints filed against him, rather than any bribe.
“The Senate is obligated to halt the confirmation process for any nominee involved in major public complaints or controversies. Many nominees before him have stepped down for similar reasons. Mr. Ramat’s case is no different,” Adaramodu explained.
The Senate spokesperson added that the National Assembly would not allow what he termed blackmail to tarnish its reputation.
“No one can drag the National Assembly into disrepute with unfounded claims. We intend to take Mr. Alwan to court to allow him to provide evidence to the Nigerians,” he asserted.
Police probe Alwan Hassan over claims against senate leaders in $10m bribe allegation
