President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the setting up a panel of inquiry to probe the suspended Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala Usman.
Bala-Usman was suspended from office late Thursday night by the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi after obtaining approval from the President.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, on Thursday night said Buhari approved a panel of inquiry to probe the activities of the NPA.
Shehu said the President approved the recommendation of the Ministry of Transportation under Amaechi for the setting up of an Administrative Panel of Inquiry to investigate the NPA management.
He said the President has also approved that Bala Usman steps aside during the investigation.
The President also approved the appointment of the Executive Director, Finance and Administration of NPA, Mohammed Koko, as acting Managing Director.
According to Shehu, the panel is to be headed by the Director, Maritime Services of the Federal Ministry of Transportation while the Deputy Director, Legal of the ministry will serve as secretary.
The statement reads: “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.
“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.”
Ms Hadiza Bala-Usman was appointed NPA Managing Director in July 2016. Her tenured was renewed in January 2021.
She is the first female head of the agency.