President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala-Usman, should step aside to allow for investigation into allegations against her.
This was disclosed Thursday by presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu.
Mr Shehu did not disclose details of the allegations against Ms Bala-Usman but said Mohammed Koko has been appointment as MD in acting capacity.
Until his appointment, Mr Koko was the Executive Director Finance in the agency.
According to Shehu, “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 Bala-Usman, was first appointed as the NPA MD in 2016, and her tenure was renewed for another five years in January this year.