We’ll Drag Osinbajo’s Ex-Aide to Court - Senate Reacts to $10m Bribe Claim

We’ll Drag Osinbajo’s Ex-Aide to Court – Senate Reacts to $10m Bribe Claim
Adaramodu noted that the upper chamber was duty-bound to listen to Nigerians’ concerns
Adaramodu explained that the decision to suspend Ramat’s screening was not politically motivated

The Senate has denied allegations that its leadership collected a $10 million bribe to frustrate the confirmation of Mr. Abdullah Garba Ramat as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

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Eko Hot Blog reports that former Special Adviser to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Alwan Hassan, had accused the leadership of the 10th Senate of accepting the alleged bribe to halt Ramat’s screening and confirmation.

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In a statement issued late Friday, the Senate’s spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, dismissed the claim as false, describing it as “a satanic narrative from political mercenaries.”

Adaramodu explained that the decision to suspend Ramat’s screening was not politically motivated but informed by “a baggage of public and private complaints” against his nomination.

“The Senate is bound statutorily to halt actions on any nominee under public questioning,” he said. “Many nominees have been stepped down due to such public outcry. The case of Mr. Ramat is not an exemption.”

We’ll Drag Osinbajo’s Ex-Aide to Court - Senate Reacts to $10m Bribe Claim

The Senate spokesman stressed that the legislature had no prior encounter with the nominee until his name was forwarded for screening. He added that the upper chamber was duty-bound to listen to Nigerians’ concerns about those nominated to serve in public office.

“Nigerians want appointees who go through watertight screening processes, not those who bully their way through blackmail,” Adaramodu stated.

Describing Hassan’s bribery allegation as “unfounded and reckless,” the Senate said it would initiate legal action against him to compel evidence of his claims.

“The Senate will engage Mr. Alwan in court to provide Nigerians with proof of his assertions,” Adaramodu said. “No one can drag the institution of the National Assembly into public opprobrium with unfathomable allegations in an attempt to arm-twist the legislature.”

He reaffirmed that the Senate remains a respected institution committed to transparency, integrity, and responsiveness to public opinion.

“The Senate is an institution of noble Nigerians that respects the views, opinions, complaints, and compliments of citizens through legislative oversight and other constitutional functions,” he added.