Tensions flared at the National Assembly today as hundreds of demonstrators gathered to protest the delayed confirmation of Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat, President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
The demonstrators accused the Senate of politicizing a critical national appointment and stalling power sector reforms. The protest follows the Senate’s decision last month to step down Ramat’s confirmation, despite a favorable screening outcome by the Senate Committee on Power, chaired by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.
Ahmed I. Suleiman, spokesperson for the Grassroots Initiative Concept, addressed journalists at the scene: “We write as proud indigenes of Kano State to register our concern over the yet-to-be-concluded confirmation of our son, Engr. Abdullahi Ramat. Vested interests are hijacking the process.”
Comrade Danesi Momoh Prince, Convener of the Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative (EUYI), added: “The Senate is deliberately undermining President Tinubu’s power sector reforms. This delay is unjustifiable and politically motivated.”
President Tinubu formally nominated Ramat on October 7, 2025, alongside two other commissioners — Abubakar Yusuf (Consumer Affairs) and Fouad Olayinka Animashaun (Finance & Administration). All three were vetted and recommended for confirmation by the Senate Committee on Power.
The protesters have submitted formal petitions to both President Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, urging swift action to conclude the confirmation process. They warned that further delays could erode public confidence in the Senate’s commitment to national development.