The Tinubu/Barau Support Groups Coalition has threatened to take legal action against individuals 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 this known at a press conference on Friday in Kano while reacting to allegations by the defunct Gawuna Campaign Organisation, which claimed that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Sen. Barau received 10 million dollars to delay Ramat’s confirmation.
Convener of the coalition, Comrade Hafiz Sani-Liman, described the allegations as false, malicious, and politically motivated, adding that they were aimed at tarnishing the image of the Deputy Senate President and misleading the public.
“The entire story is fabricated to create disaffection and undermine the reputation of a patriotic leader. We have instructed our lawyers to commence legal action against those behind these baseless claims,” he said.
Sani-Liman explained that contrary to the allegations, Sen. Barau had been working to ensure the successful screening and confirmation of the nominee.
According to him, the Senate Committee on Power chaired by Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe had already completed the screening exercise and would soon present its report for consideration and approval by the Senate.
He noted that Sen. Barau had consistently supported the appointment and empowerment of qualified Kano indigenes into federal positions and remained committed to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Sani-Liman further said the Deputy Senate President had sponsored the bill for the establishment of the North-West Development Commission and facilitated the employment of several Kano indigenes in federal institutions.
He urged Nigerians to disregard what he called “cheap blackmail by frustrated political actors” aimed at distracting the lawmaker from his duties.
“Distinguished Sen. Barau remains a symbol of unity, integrity, and development. No amount of propaganda can derail his commitment to serving Nigerians,” he said.
The coalition reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the leadership role of Sen. Barau in promoting good governance and inclusive development across the country.