The Presidency has revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari asked Hadiza Bala Usman, the managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to step aside so that an investigation can be carried out into the management’s activities.
According to a press statement by Shehu Garba, a spokesperson for President Buhari, the investigation became necessary following a recommendation by the Ministry of Transportation under Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi.
The President has ordered Mr Mohammed Koko to act as the MD of NPA pending the outcome of the administrative panel of inquiry.
“President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the recommendation of the Ministry 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,” Shehu Garba said in the statement.
“The President has also approved that the Managing Director, Hadiza Bala Usman step aside while the investigation is carried out. Mr Mohammed Koko will act in that position.
“The panel is to be headed by the Director, Maritime Services of the Ministry while the Deputy Director, Legal of the same ministry will serve as Secretary.
“Other members of the panel will be appointed by the Minister,” the statement added.
Chronicle NG reports that President Buhari in January 2021 reappointed Hadiza Bala Usman as the MD of NPA for a five-year tenure.
