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From Left, Mallam Habib Abdullahi, Managing Director (MD) of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the former MD, Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero (Cousins) during the handing over ceremony at the NPA headquarters in Lagos after a shake-up. Are we expecting this scenario soon again? Habib seems a changed person now. Buhari may reverse Dakuku’s appointment
There is an increasing battle of wits among some General Managers of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to replace the current Managing Director, Mallam Habib Abdullahi, who is believed might be removed soon according to the Minister of Transport, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, who has said that President Mohammed Buhari had given him clearance to change the heads of maritime parastatals where necessary.
Also, Buhari is said to have been under pressure to reverse the appointment of Dr. Peterside Dakuku as the Director –General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) , who last week assumed office in Lagos.
MMS Plus gathered that over three serving GMs of the authority are lobbying to replace Habib, as the Presidency is said to be determined to effect the change from within the NPA to avoid the leadership disaster the authority experienced under the immediate past managing director, Alhaji Lamido Ado Bayero, a factor that prompted the Federal Government under President Buhari to recall Habib to put some records straight.
While Engr. Omar Suleiman, a former managing director’s name has featured in the likely list, Arc. Dan Hassan, former general manager, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), now retired; and then, three serving GMs names have equally been on the list.
The return of Habib to NPA brought acrimony in the executive management team, leading to a harvest of petitions against one another over deals gone sour and some money not retired successfully. This makes them regular visitors to the office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), with the consequence being abandonment of duty. MMS Plus further gathered that this disharmony began as a result of Habib’s resolve to make positive changes on his second coming.
Said to be a firm believer in whatever he believes in, Habib, It would be recalled dissociated himself from the politics of oil and gas cargo exclusivity to some terminal operators against the others as managing director of NPA.
Meanwhile, the management has promoted about 200 members of staff across all grade levels in a renewed bid to boost the morale of workers. However, some workers have expressed this satisfaction over the promotion, saying they were denied promotion.
In a related development, MMS Plus gathered that Buhari felt betrayed with Amaechi’s action of announcing his “ crony as director-general of NIMASA through an unusual channel, using the ministry of transportation”.
According to the source, who prefers anonymity, “ that appointment may be reversed if Buhari’s expectations from Amaechi are not met within a given time frame already handed out to him. Amaechi is taking advantage of him! There are pressures now from different groups and quarters about Amaechi’s impunity. We have already 10 petitions against Dakuku’s appointment in the presidency. They will soon fall apart. Watch out!”
