By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

A civic advocacy group, Grassroot Initiative Concept (GIC), has called on the Senate to clarify the reasons behind the delay in confirming Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), despite his clearance and recommendation by the Senate Committee on Power.

In a statement signed by its Convener, Alwan Hassan, and titled “Senate: Why We Halted Ramat’s Confirmation as NERC Chair — A Respectful Rejoinder,” the group said its intervention was aimed at promoting transparency and reinforcing public confidence in the legislative process.

Hassan noted that the matter had drawn public interest following recent comments attributed to the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs Chairman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), on the status of the confirmation process.

“We hold the Senate in the highest esteem as a custodian of the people’s will and a beacon of legislative excellence. Our intervention seeks only to clarify facts and safeguard its integrity,” the statement read.

The GIC said it was important to correct public misconceptions surrounding the delay, stressing that earlier interpretations of its comments did not reflect the group’s position. It clarified that no accusations were made against the Senate or its leadership, and that its concerns focused solely on ensuring due process.

The group reaffirmed its “deep respect” for the Senate leadership and expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved in line with the principles of fairness and transparency associated with the legislature.

Responding to suggestions that Ramat’s nomination was delayed due to unresolved concerns, GIC referenced the records of the Senate Committee on Power, chaired by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe. According to the group, only one petition relating to Ramat’s experience was received during screening, and it was dismissed after review.

The group noted that the Committee concluded its work and submitted a report recommending Ramat’s confirmation on October 22, 2025, with copies circulated among members.

“We are in possession of this report, which clearly recommends his confirmation, but out of respect for the Senate, we have refrained from releasing it publicly,” the statement said.

GIC urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin to provide clarity on why the report has not yet been presented before the full Senate for consideration.

Reiterating its recognition of the Senate’s constitutional role in confirmations, the group stated its request was simply for clarification to prevent public speculation and to strengthen confidence in legislative processes.

The statement also noted that while Malam Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, who was screened on the same day, had since been confirmed as Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Ramat’s confirmation remained pending without an official explanation.

GIC appealed for clarity on whether the delay was due to procedural or administrative reasons and called for a transparent update to the public.

The group emphasized that its stance was non-partisan and anchored in the need to protect institutional credibility and democratic governance.

“This is not about defending an individual but about strengthening national faith in due process and transparency. The success of the Tinubu administration and the credibility of the 10th Senate are mutually reinforcing,” Hassan stated.

GIC urged the Senate leadership to resolve the matter promptly “in the interest of truth, justice, and the image of Nigeria,” expressing confidence that the 10th Senate would act with fairness and statesmanship.