Alleged $10m Bribery: Tinubu/Barau Support Groups Threaten Legal Action Against Gawuna Campaign Organization
By Isma’il Iliyasu Abdul
The All Tinubu/Barau Support Groups Coalition has reacted strongly to what it described as false, malicious, and politically motivated allegations made against the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, CFR, by the defunct Gawuna Campaign Organisation over the confirmation of Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
Speaking at a press conference in Kano, the coalition described the claims as fabricated lies aimed at tarnishing the hard-earned reputation of Senator Barau, a respected leader who continues to enjoy the overwhelming support of the people of Kano State.
The earlier press conference, jointly addressed by Hon. Muhammadu Badaru Umar and Alwan Hassan, condemned the alleged actions of deputy Senate president.
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The All Tunubu/Barau support organization described the allegations as “a mixture of lies, mischief, and misinformation.”
The coalition group expressed disappointment that members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) would attempt to malign a fellow party leader rather than work together to rebuild the party’s strength in Kano State.
They stressed that, according to the Nigerian Constitution, it is solely the President’s prerogative to appoint individuals into public offices, including NERC. Following the nomination of Engr. Ramat, Senator Barau was said to have personally lobbied his colleagues in the Senate to ensure a smooth screening and confirmation process.
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“It is therefore mischievous and laughable for anyone to suggest that Senator Barau is scheming to subvert the confirmation,” the coalition stated.
They further explained that the screening had already been conducted by the Senate Committee on Power, chaired by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, and that the committee’s report is expected to be presented to the Senate soon.
Reacting to the $10 million bribery allegation purportedly involving the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Barau, the group announced that their lawyers had been instructed to take legal action against those spreading the “baseless and defamatory” claims.
The coalition urged Nigerians, especially the people of Kano, to disregard the “cheap propaganda” and see it as a desperate attempt by “frustrated political actors” to discredit a leader whose record of service and loyalty to the people remains unquestionable.
They highlighted Senator Barau’s numerous contributions to Kano State and the nation, including the sponsorship of the bill establishing the North-West Development Commission, his role in facilitating key federal appointments for Kano indigenes, and his consistent support for national development initiatives.
Speaking at the event, the convener, Hafizu Sani Liman, emphasized the need to distance Senator Barau from the “fabricated and malicious statements” being circulated by the Gawuna group.
Also speaking, Shitu Madaki Kunchi described Senator Barau as “a beacon of unity, integrity, and progress in Nigeria’s political landscape,” adding that “no amount of blackmail or propaganda can distract him from his constitutional duties or his mission to advance the welfare of the people of Kano North and Nigeria at large.”
