Garba Shehu Discloses Buhari's Rationale for Sacking Hadiza Bala Usman as NPA Boss
In a revealing account, former presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu has detailed the circumstances that led to the removal of Hadiza Bala Usman as managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority during the administration of late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari. Shehu's insights emerged during a discussion of his new book, According to the President, in Abuja, shedding light on a significant political decision that underscored Buhari's governance style.
Buhari's Approval Based on Ministerial Recommendation
Shehu explained that Buhari acted on the direct recommendation of Rotimi Amaechi, who served as Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2022 and supervised the NPA. According to Shehu, Amaechi formally wrote to the president, stating that Bala Usman was not worthy of the office and should be suspended. This recommendation came amid allegations that the NPA under her leadership failed to remit N165 billion in operating surplus to the federal government, though she was later cleared by an administrative panel of inquiry.
Personal Relationship Overridden by Official Duty
Despite Buhari's close personal bond with Bala Usman, whom he regarded like a daughter, the president approved her suspension. Shehu recounted that Buhari's chief of staff advised against the action, but the president insisted, emphasizing that the minister, as her supervising boss, had determined her unfit for the role. This decision, Shehu noted, exemplified Buhari's detached approach to personal interests in official matters, prioritizing administrative hierarchy and accountability.
Controversial Background and Conflicting Accounts
The removal has been a point of contention, with Bala Usman, now Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy and Coordination, offering a different perspective in her memoir, Stepping on Toes: My Odyssey at the Nigerian Ports Authority. She alleged that Amaechi sought her removal due to her refusal to extend contracts for capital dredging services without due process and to provide personal favours, such as birthday presents. Amaechi has denied these claims, labeling her book as full of lies and maintaining that her removal was justified based on the panel's findings.
Implications for Nigerian Governance and Politics
This revelation highlights the complex interplay between personal relationships and official responsibilities in Nigeria's political landscape. It underscores how leaders like Buhari navigated such dynamics, often making tough decisions that balanced ministerial advice with broader governance principles. The episode also reflects ongoing tensions within the political sphere, as figures like Bala Usman and Amaechi continue to dispute the narrative, adding layers to the story of accountability and power in public service.
Shehu's account provides a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the Buhari administration, offering valuable lessons on leadership and decision-making in Nigeria's often turbulent political environment. As the nation moves forward, such disclosures contribute to a deeper understanding of the challenges and compromises inherent in governance.
