Rotimi Amaechi and Hadiza Usman, former Managing Director of the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) battles words.
In the world of Nigerian politics, it’s not uncommon to witness fierce battles of words and ideologies between prominent figures. One such battle recently erupted between the former Managing Director of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala Usman, and the immediate past Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi. This dispute, fueled by allegations and counter-allegations, offers a captivating glimpse into the complex and often tumultuous world of Nigerian politics.
The Origins of the Feud Between Hadiza Usman And Rotimi Amaechi
The feud was ignited by remarks made by Rotimi Amaechi during a public event, where he accused Hadiza Usman of spreading falsehoods about him in her book, “Stepping on Toes: My Odyssey at the Nigerian Ports Authority.” In a strongly worded response, Hadiza Usman defended herself, asserting that Amaechi was deliberately fabricating lies to tarnish her reputation. Let’s delve deeper into the key points of contention and explore the intricacies of this political feud.
Read also : Bandits Kill one, Kidnap Monarch and Five Others
Amaechi’s Accusations
In his public statements, Rotimi Amaechi accused Hadiza Usman of making false claims about him in her memoir. He expressed his disappointment with her, particularly regarding her alleged role in his failed presidential bid. Amaechi highlighted various issues he believed were misrepresented in her book, including claims of financial mismanagement, improper contract awards, and questionable dealings during his tenure as Minister of Transport. Notably, Amaechi accused Usman of awarding a contract worth N2.8 billion without proper authorization, a claim that she vehemently denied.
Hadiza Usman’s Defense
Hadiza Usman responded to Amaechi’s accusations with a forceful defense of her integrity. She urged Amaechi to “grow up” and stop resorting to lies and manipulation to advance his political agenda. Usman maintained that she had not concealed any information in her book and had fully disclosed the events surrounding her “stepping aside” as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority. She refuted Amaechi’s claim of the N2.8 billion contract award, stating that it was not part of the infractions conveyed to her in a query from the Administrative Panel of Inquiry. Furthermore, she pointed out that the emergency procurement of operational vehicles, a subject of the query, was carried out within the provisions of the Public Procurement Act.
Usman also clarified Amaechi’s allegations concerning a supplemental agreement for the Lekki Deep Sea Port Concession Project, highlighting that the agreement was operational and did not significantly alter the concession agreement. She expressed surprise at Amaechi’s reference to her indictment on ten counts, asserting that she had not been informed of such indictments. She questioned whether these counts included the alleged non-remittance of N165 billion in operating surpluses to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF), a matter that was not part of the initial query from the Ministry.
Amaechi’s Claims About the Panel Report
One of the significant points of contention in this feud is Amaechi’s alleged possession of an official panel report and his decision to keep it private. Usman questioned the secrecy surrounding the report, emphasizing that she had already shared the details of the alleged infractions and the panel’s inquiry in her book. She challenged Amaechi’s exclusive access to the report, arguing that it should be in government custody and made available to the concerned parties for appropriate action.
Read also:NNPC announces when Kaduna Refinery will resume operations
Birthday Gift Controversy
In a rather surprising turn of events, Amaechi made an issue out of whether Usman had given him a birthday gift during her time as Minister. He suggested that working under him in 2013 meant that she should have given him birthday presents. Usman, however, questioned the entitlement mentality exhibited by Amaechi and clarified that she had only worked with him from December 2014 to May 2015, during which time the number of birthdays was limited. She found Amaechi’s focus on this matter trivial and lacking in substance.
The Path Forward
As the war of words between Hadiza Bala Usman and Rotimi Amaechi continues to escalate, it raises essential questions about the state of Nigerian politics and the public discourse surrounding it. While both parties have their versions of events, it is crucial to distinguish between facts and allegations. The feud highlights the challenges of maintaining transparency and accountability in public office, as well as the need for open access to official reports and documents.
The political landscape in Nigeria is no stranger to controversies and rivalries, but it is the responsibility of the public, the media, and the relevant authorities to scrutinize these disputes and seek the truth. As the dust settles on this particular clash of titans, it remains to be seen how the allegations and counter-allegations will impact the political careers of both Hadiza Bala Usman and Rotimi Amaechi. In the ever-evolving world of Nigerian politics, the battle for truth and integrity continues, and the public will ultimately determine the victors in this war of words.
