‘Truth Will Triumph,’ Suspended NPA MD Says In Eid Mubarak Message
The suspended Nigerian Ports Authority Managing Director, Hadiza Bala Usman, has hit back at accusers in her Eid El Fitr messaging saying that the truth will prevail.
The embattled NPA boss was recently suspended by the Minister of Transport, Chibiuke Amaechi, over alleged outstanding unremitted balance of N165.32bn between 2016 when she assumed office to the point of her sack.
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But in a fresh message on Thursday, the ex- NPA boss believes she would be vindicated of the alleged misappropriation.
She said, “At the place of the Emir of Zazzau with my forever boss, Nasir el-Rufai. We remain resolute in the belief that the truth always triumphs.”
Amaechi on Monday inaugurated an 11- man panel chaired by the Director of Maritime Services, Auwalu Suleiman, to probe contracts and alleged non-remittance of operating surplus by Usman.
The panel will examine and investigate issues leading to the termination of pilotage and other contracts of Nigerian Ports Authority and confirm compliance with the terms of the respective contracts, court rulings and Presidential directives.
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It will, “Examine and investigate compliance with the communication channel as obtained in the Public Service.
“Examine and investigate the procurement of contracts from 2016 to date. Come up with suggestions and advice that would strengthen the operations of Nigerian Ports Authority and forestall such occurrences in future,” said the Transport Ministry.
The embattled MD was suspended last Thursday as part of moves to allow independent audit of the accounts and remittance of the agency.
Details of a letter sent to President Muhammadu Buhari by Nigeria’s Amaechi alleged that the yearly remittance of operating surpluses by the NPA from 2016 to 2020 was “far short of the amount due for actual remittance.”
But in a four year period covering 2017 and 2020, Usman said the NPA remitted the sum of N159.11bn into the Consolidated Revenue Fund Account of the Federal Government.
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She made the claim addressing the letter to the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, dated May 5, 2021.
