Former NPA boss launches book on her odyssey in office

On Saturday, the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Hadiza Bala UsmanHe released a 196-page book detailing some of the key events that defined his five-year leadership in office.

The book focuses on the “capture of Nigerian state elites and the importance of the struggle to hold their strongholds”.

At the event, he stated that the reason for writing this book was to preserve history and tell the truth, because “no one is easily intimidated or bullied by public sector authorities or people or an office”.

Monopoly on Intels: Why I left Amaechi and I met Abba Kyari for admission

He cited a case where President Muhammadu Buhari agreed to change the monopoly of Integrated Logistics Services popularly known as “Intels”, one of the major players in Nigeria’s maritime sector, because of restrictions on oil and gas cargoes to certain terminals. to concessionaire agreements, a move by Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi against and did not convey that message to the NPA.

“It was strange why the minister stopped me from calling the chief of staff (Abba Kyari) who conveyed the letter and sent it to me and the Nigerian Ports Authority. We drew attention to the fact that we did not receive a directive to convey it. It was okay to say, “Okay Hadiza, with the minister I’ll talk and make sure he communicates, but I have to move forward and if there’s something, he’ll go back,” he said.

Abba Kyari explained that he meant to Mr. Amaechi that he was “going higher” but for him it was “doing things”.

“People should not stand in the way of what the President has approved, because after all, we are all in his favor. You don’t sit in approval because you can or because you occupy an office, there are other people who dominate you”, he added.

Why I rejected the NIMASA DG position given to me by Amaechi’

He believed it was in his best interest to appoint someone from Rivers State at that time because the political space in Rivers was very affected.

“He (Amaechi) lost the governorship seat, and they (Rivers State) felt he had nothing for them and I advised him that it was better to nominate a candidate. So, although they lost a governor, they got a federal appointment”, he clarified.

Violating an oath of secrecy as a government official

In response to a question about breaking the oath of secrecy as a public servant, he stated that he relied on the Freedom of Information Act and other legal instruments to ensure that this book is in the public domain and to reveal the secrecy surrounding the governance.

“I believe in the demystification of government, which means that government and the government should be open. It reduces confusion. Insulating or shielding what we do as government officials allows us to continue or subsist in a culture of impunity. It is this mystery that surrounds government that allows government to continue to misbehave. “You are serving at the behest of the people, so why can’t those people know what you are doing?” he asked.

The fund was thrown by the elder statesman against my nomination

Mrs. Bala Usman cited three reasons why her appointment received a lot of criticism: her gender, her age and “politicians who preferred the appointment of other politicians from Katsina State”.

One of the politicians he appointed was the Ismaila Isa Fund, who he said did not consult Amaechi before appointing him.

READ ALSO: The bandits have killed 13, kidnapped the village chief, others in Katsina communities

“I thought it was unique and I told the minister so. Although Alhaji Isa Funtua was a good friend of my late father and someone I had great respect for… I did not understand his rejection. I later learned that the late politician had recommended another indigene of Katsina State, Engineer Usman Abubakar to the President for the appointment as Chairman of the NPA Governing Body,” he said.

I pray and hope this is not your last outing in public service- Adoke

Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke at the event congratulated the former NPA leader for having the courage to write about his experience.

When I read the book ‘The Burden of Service’, many people thought I was brave, but I think you are braver than me. It is not easy to call names and say things as they are, without any barriers or hindrances to show that you are a witness to the truth.

“Your book will definitely help in the fight against impunity. It will help the public servant to lead knowing that there is room for posterity and that posterity will come calling. I pray and hope that this will not be your last outing in public service,” he said.

I don’t think I have that much courage to write such a book – Shettima

Also present at the event was Vice President-elect Kashima Shettima, who described Mrs. Bala Usman as an “iron lady and a brave lady” adding, “I don’t think I have the courage to write such a book.”

However, he used the opportunity to express his administration’s support for women by assuring Nigerians that his tenure will be gender-friendly.