Reactions are now trailing the suspension of Hadiza Bala Usman, as Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA. Inside sources, who spoke with Africa Update, on conditions of anonymity, alleged that the suspension could be linked to a cold war between Usman and Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi.
They disclosed that the relationship between the Minister and Madam MD was not cordial because Usman has consistently worked towards the operation of the Authority with minimal interference, which according to them met the disapproval of the Minister.
The position of sources, gained some credibility following Garba Shehu’s statement on Thursday evening announcing the MD’s suspension. According to the statement: “…President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the recommendation of the Minister of Transportation under Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi for the setting up of an Administrative Panel of Inquiry to investigate the Management of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA…”
Although the statement claims that the ministry recommended an administrative investigation of the management of the NPA, Bala Usman, was the only member of the management team who was suspended, while Amaechi’s ally, Mohammed Koko, who is the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, under whose purview is the finance and running of the Authority became the Acting Managing Director.
The big questions on the lips of many are as follows: Why did the Minister single out the MD? Why did he recommend the appointment of the Executive Director Finance and Administration as acting MD? Garba’s statement also indicated that the panel will be headed by the Director, Maritime Services of the Ministry while the Deputy Director, Legal in the ministry will serve as secretary. Now, even if Ameachi did not handpick and foist these members on the presidency, the fact that they work under his ministry already suggests whose bidding they would do and the outcome of the investigations.
Recall that Usman was reappointed for another 5year term in January, 2021, so it is indeed shocking that her suspension is coming barely four months after. There are also insinuations that the sudden change in the Authority, might not be unconnected with the 2023 Presidential ambition of the Minister.
