The Tinubu/Barau Support Groups Coalition has threatened legal action against those accusing the Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Barau I.Jibrin, of collecting bribes and obstructing the confirmation of Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
The group made the threat on Friday in Kano at a press conference in reaction to allegations by the defunct Gawuna Campaign Organisation, which claimed that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Sen. Barau received $10 million to delay Ramat’s confirmation.
Convener of the coalition, Comr. Hafiz Sani-Liman, described the allegations as “false, malicious and politically motivated,” saying they were intended to tarnish the image of the Deputy Senate President and mislead the public.
“The entire story is fabricated to create disaffection and undermine the reputation of a patriotic leader. We have instructed our lawyers to begin legal action against the agents of falsehood behind these baseless claims,” Liman said.
He said contrary to the allegations, Sen. Barau had been lobbying his colleagues in the Senate to ensure the successful screening and confirmation of the nominee.
“The screening has already been completed by the Senate Committee on Power chaired by Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, and the report will soon be presented before the Senate for final approval,” he explained.
Liman noted that Sen. Barau had “consistently supported the appointment and empowerment of qualified Kano indigenes into federal positions” and had “remained committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
He said the Deputy Senate President had sponsored the bill establishing the North-West Development Commission and facilitated the employment of several Kano indigenes in federal institutions.
The coalition urged Nigerians to disregard what it described as “cheap blackmail by frustrated political actors” aimed at distracting Sen. Barau from his national duties.
“Distinguished Sen. Barau remains a symbol of unity, integrity, and development. No amount of propaganda can derail his commitment to serving the Nigerian people,” Liman added.
He reaffirmed the coalition’s support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Sen. Barau’s leadership role in promoting good governance and inclusive development across the country.