A former Special Adviser to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Alwan Hassan, has withdrawn his allegation that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin took a $10m bribe to halt the confirmation of NERC Chairman-nominee Abdullahi Ramat. His U-turn follows the Senate’s threat of legal action over the claim.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Hassan admitted that his comments were based on misleading information and assumptions made during efforts to push for Ramat’s confirmation. He noted that although the nominee was screened and recommended by the Senate Committee on Power, rumours surrounding the stalled process led him to make unfounded accusations.
Hassan tendered an unreserved public apology to the National Assembly leadership and appealed to lawmakers to reconsider Ramat’s nomination. The Senate, however, insists the suspension resulted from multiple complaints about the nominee and denies any bribery took place.