The Director-General of the National Productivity Centre, Dr. Baffa Babba Dan Agundi, has denied any involvement in a plot to tarnish the reputation of Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin.
In a statement released on Sunday by his media aide, Abubakar Balarabe Kofar Naisa, Dan Agundi said some individuals approached him to participate in a campaign against Senator Jibrin following the suspension of the screening of Engineer Abdullahi Garba Ramat, nominated as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
According to Dan Agundi, he refused to take part in the alleged plot, describing it as a deliberate attempt to damage the senator’s reputation.
“Baffa Babba Dan Agundi swore to mention the names of those who came to him to join the campaign of calumny against Senator Barau Jibrin if they continue to discredit the ranking senator,” the statement read.
Dan Agundi emphasized that he does not engage in personal attacks or insults, even in politics, and described Senator Jibrin as a respectable leader who should not be falsely accused.
He also clarified that, based on the information available to him, Senator Jibrin was not responsible for the delay in the screening of Engineer Ramat.
Engineer Abdullahi Garba Ramat was nominated as NERC Chairman earlier this year. However, the Senate suspended his screening, raising questions and sparking discussions among political observers and stakeholders in the power sector.
Senator Barau Jibrin, as Deputy Senate President, has faced criticism in some quarters, with accusations suggesting he might have influenced the delay. Dan Agundi’s statement aimed to correct these claims and defend the senator’s integrity.
Dan Agundi also warned those allegedly behind the smear campaign to stop their actions or risk being publicly exposed. He described the attempt as a “deliberate and malicious effort” to discredit a ranking lawmaker.
“Those behind this plan should take note that the truth will come out. Senator Barau Jibrin’s reputation should not be compromised by falsehoods,” he said.
The incident highlights the sensitive nature of political appointments and the scrutiny surrounding nominations to key regulatory positions like NERC. The delay in the screening process drew attention from politicians, media, and the public, creating opportunities for misinformation and rumor.
Dan Agundi’s statement seeks to calm tensions and assert that any personal or political attacks against Senator Jibrin are unfounded.
By publicly distancing himself from the plot, Dan Agundi also aims to uphold the values of transparency, integrity, and respect in political discourse.
