A civil society organisation, the Coalition for Change and Transparency (CCT), has called on Senator Abdul-Aziz Abubakar Yari, representing Zamfara West, to step aside from his legislative duties following concerns surrounding his recent appointment as chairman of Geregu Power Plc.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the group said the appointment raises questions about potential conflicts of interest, given Senator Yari’s position as a serving member of the National Assembly.
The call follows reports that Geregu Power Plc recently changed ownership, with Ma’am Energy acquiring a majority stake in the power generation company.
Shortly after the acquisition, Senator Yari was announced as chairman of the company’s board.
According to the CCT, the development has generated public debate over compliance with Nigeria’s Code of Conduct for public officers, particularly provisions relating to the engagement of serving officials in private sector leadership roles.
Speaking on behalf of the group, CCT spokesperson, Comrade Agboola Tunde, said the organisation believes the appointment undermines public confidence and calls for greater transparency.
“The issue at stake is not personal, but institutional integrity,” Tunde said.
“Nigerians deserve clarity on whether serving lawmakers should occupy board positions in major private companies, especially in strategic sectors such as power.”
He urged relevant oversight bodies, including the Code of Conduct Bureau and other regulatory agencies, to review the circumstances surrounding the appointment and provide guidance in line with existing laws and ethical standards.
The group also called on the Senate to uphold accountability and address public concerns proactively in order to protect the credibility of the legislature.
CCT stressed that its demands are aimed at strengthening governance and restoring trust in public institutions, adding that all actions taken should follow due process and established legal frameworks.
Senator Yari has not publicly responded to the statement as of the time of filing this report.