By Omeiza Ajayi

ABUJA: A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress APC, Alwan Hassan, has appealed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to facilitate the confirmation of Engr. Abdullahi Ramat as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission NERC.

He also withdrew an earlier allegation that both presiding officers of the National Assembly received a $10 million bribe to stall Ramat’s confirmation.

Hassan, who spoke after an engagement with the Nigerian Police Force regarding comments he made during his public advocacy for Ramat’s confirmation, said he now recognizes the claim as false and unfair.

He apologized to the National Assembly leadership for what he described as “disparaging and uncharitable” remarks.

Hassan said his earlier comments arose from his efforts to understand the unexpected delay in the Senate’s ratification of Ramat’s nomination, which had earlier sailed through screening with commendations from the Senate Committee on Power.

According to him, conversations he held at the time led him to believe that the process was being deliberately stalled, prompting him to speak out in defence of what he felt was a just cause.

Reflecting on his earlier allegations, Hassan stated; “I have come to realize that the claim was not only untrue, but unfair and uncharitable to both the National Assembly and its leadership. I therefore retract that statement fully and unreservedly.”

He reiterated his respect for democratic institutions and acknowledged the pivotal role of parliament in Nigeria’s governance framework.

While apologizing “fully and sincerely,” he nonetheless urged the National Assembly to reconsider and confirm Engr. Ramat, whom he described as a capable professional who could strengthen regulatory oversight in the energy sector.

Hassan added that although his passion for causes he believes in is well known, the episode has further taught him the importance of ensuring that advocacy is tempered with respect for due process and institutional integrity.