Olusola Bello

The Presidency on Thursday gave reason why Hadiza Bala-Usman, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), is on suspension.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said that it was to allow for an investigation into allegations leveled against her.

Usman, who was first appointed as the managing director in 2016 and had her tenure renewed for another five years last January.

Shehu in a statement on Thursday night stated that President Muhammadu Buhari was aware and had approved the suspension as recommended by the Transportation ministry.

Although the spokesperson did not disclose the details of the allegations against Bala-Usman, he stated that Mohammed Koko, the director of finance, has been appointed as managing director in an acting capacity.

The statement which was titled, “President Buhari Approves a  panel of Inquiry on NPA, Asks Hadiza Usman to Step Aside” read, “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 steps aside while the investigation is carried out.  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.”