EX-OSINBAJO ADVISER BACKS DOWN ,TENDERS APOLOGY TO AKPABIO,BARAU OVER CLAIM

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A former Special Adviser to ex–Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Alwan Hassan, on Tuesday apologised to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin after previously alleging that they accepted a $10 million bribe to halt the confirmation of President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Abdullahi Ramat.

His apology comes a week after the Senate threatened legal action over the allegation, which had sparked controversy and deepened public distrust surrounding federal appointments in the power sector a sector already facing intense criticism over tariff increases and recurring blackouts.

At a press conference in Abuja, Hassan said the misunderstanding stemmed from his efforts to push for Ramat’s approval, noting that the nominee had been screened and “strongly recommended” by the Senate Committee on Power before his name was unexpectedly removed from the Order Paper.

The APC chieftain also acknowledged granting interviews in which he made unsubstantiated claims against the Senate leadership, repeating rumours that they had taken a $10 million bribe allegations he now attributes to misleading discussions and incorrect assumptions.

He said, “I also repeated a claim that they received a $10 million bribe to block Ramat’s confirmation. That allegation arose from discussions I had while trying to understand what was happening.

“I have now realised that the claim was not only false, but also unfair and unjust to the National Assembly and its leadership.”

Hassan therefore stated that he has withdrawn the allegation and is prepared to issue a public apology to the Senate, as well as to Akpabio and Barau.

He also urged lawmakers to overlook his recent missteps and reconsider Ramat’s suspended appointment.

“I therefore withdraw that statement completely and without reservation, and I apologise to the National Assembly and its leadership for those allegations,” he said.

Last week, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu dismissed Hassan as “one innocuous Alwan Hassan” being used as “a hand-tool” for the nominee.

Adaramodu maintained that no bribe was offered or received, explaining that Ramat’s confirmation was halted due to “public and private complaints” raised against him.

“Many nominees have been stepped down in response to public concerns. Mr. Ramat’s case is no different,” he added.

The Senate further accused Hassan of attempting to blackmail the institution and vowed to make him produce evidence in court.

“The Senate will indeed meet Mr. Alwan in court and require him to present proof of his claims to Nigerians,” Adaramodu said.

Hassan, however, explained that his actions were the result of passion and overzealous advocacy, expressing gratitude to political associates and friends who stood by him during what he called his “recent engagement with the Nigerian Police Force.”

Ramat’s confirmation remains on hold as the Senate continues to examine the petitions and issues raised against his nomination.