Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat Clarifies His Position and Reaffirms Respect for Senate Leadership

My attention has been drawn to some online publications and public discussions that have attempted to link my name to statements or actions said to be against the Deputy Senate President, His Excellency Senator Barau I. Jibrin, and the President of the Senate, His Excellency Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON.

I wish to state clearly and respectfully that I have no connection whatsoever with such reports. I have deep respect for both leaders and for the entire Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, whose guidance and leadership I hold in high regard.

From the very start of my nomination as Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Senator Barau Jibrin has been a strong pillar of encouragement and support. In fact, he was the first person to call me immediately after my announcement, and has since shown me nothing but goodwill and mentorship.

When my confirmation report was temporarily stepped down, Senator Barau personally took me to meet the Senate President, where Senator Akpabio warmly welcomed me. During that meeting, he expressed happiness at seeing a young professional being nominated for a key national role and commended Mr. President’s commitment to youth inclusiveness, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda. He also assured that my report would soon be presented for consideration.

At every stage of the process, I was treated with respect and fairness. Senator Godswill Akpabio encouraged me to stay focused and assured me that I could always seek his guidance whenever needed. In the same spirit, Senator Kawu Sumaila, a well-grounded and highly knowledgeable legislator, and Senator Rufa’i Hanga, known for his wisdom and calm leadership, offered kind words and practical advice that guided me greatly. I am also thankful to Senator Bashir Garba Lado, whose thoughtful assistance helped ensure that all my documentation and formal procedures were handled smoothly. Their collective goodwill and mentorship were truly appreciated.

The Senate Committee on Power, under its distinguished chairman, treated me with fairness, humility, and encouragement. None of the members made any form of request from me. In fact, the Chairman went as far as personally assisting with some document printing –a rare gesture that I will always remember with gratitude.

I was also pleasantly surprised by the warmth and simplicity of the Senate Committee members, particularly Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, whose wisdom and kindness left a deep impression on me. The entire experience strengthened my confidence in the unity and integrity of our national institutions.

Because of these sincere experiences, I am truly disturbed by recent efforts by certain individuals to misrepresent my name or intentions. Some have even organized public events and statements claiming to speak on my behalf.

Let it be known that the very first day I noticed these stories, I posted a clear disclaimer disowning them and personally reached out to several people appealing for calm and restraint. Sadly, instead of easing the tension, those efforts seemed to encourage more of such activities, which I find unnecessary and unfair to everyone involved.

I want to make it absolutely clear that I did not authorize any press conference, protest, or public statement by anyone in my name. The only time I spoke officially was during my screening before the Senate Committee, where I defended myself and was successfully cleared.

Those who continue to use my name in this manner are doing so without my knowledge or approval. Their actions do not reflect my views or intentions.

I therefore appeal to everyone involved to kindly stop immediately. To my well-wishers and supporters who acted out of love and concern, please accept my gratitude –but also understand that I am not in any form of conflict, and there is no need for anyone to attack or defend me.

However, if these activities continue, I may be compelled to take appropriate steps through lawful channels to protect my name and integrity.

I remain sincerely grateful to Mr. President, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the trust reposed in me, and to the leadership of the Senate for their wisdom, transparency, and fatherly support throughout the process.

I reaffirm my loyalty to the Renewed Hope Agenda, my respect for the leadership of the Senate, and my commitment to national unity and good governance.

Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat

Nominated Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC)