Hadiza Usman’s Suspension Disheartening – Ex-Liberian President, Sirleaf
Former President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, on Saturday said she was ‘disheartened’ by the suspension of Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Hadiza Bala Usman.
Usman was suspended on May 5 after President Muhammadu Buhari approved the recommendation of the minister of transportation Rotimi Amaechi.
She is accused of financial misappropriation by failing to remit surplus revenue from the NPA to the Federal Government, an allegation she denies.
Recall that Buhari on May 7th approved a probe of the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
The probe, recommended by the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi demanded an Administrative Panel of Inquiry to look into the activities of the NPA.
Buhari also ordered Hadiza Bala Usman to step aside while the investigation is on. She is alleged to have looted over N165 billion.
Sirleaf, who served from 2006 to 2018 as Liberia’s first female president, said in a tweet that the rule of law, fair and equal treatment should be observed during investigations.
She also described Hadiza as an accomplished leader and dedicated public servant.
Sirleaf called for equal treatment and adherence to the rule of law during the probe.
“I am disheartened to hear about the suspension of Nigerian Ports Authority MD @hadizabalausman, who I have known to be an accomplished leader and dedicated public servant.
“I urge adherence to the rule of law and fair and equal treatment as the situation evolves.”
I am disheartened to hear about the suspension of Nigerian Ports Authority MD @hadizabalausman, who I have known to be an accomplished leader and dedicated public servant. I urge adherence to the rule of law and fair and equal treatment as the situation evolves.
— Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (@MaEllenSirleaf) May 15, 2021