Confusion, Intrigues as sacked NCAA directors return to offices

Some unknown game seems to be playing out in the aviation industry in Nigeria creating confusion and intrigues as all 10 sacked directors of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have been directed to return to their offices.

This development came less than 24 hours after the Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika had announced the sack of the directors .

It was learnt that a face off nearly ensued between the aides of the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and those of Sirika immediately after some of the sacked directors contacted the Presidency, alleging they were not carried along in the meetings that led to the sack orders.

An official said:” The exercise was being given a political colouration, because the programme required full consent of President Muhamnadu Buhari, who is still on medical vacation”.

It was learnt that in the midst of ensuing confusion caused by the sack letters, directive came that the whole exercise be temporarily suspended, pending a review.

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To that effect, three of the sacked directors were said to have returned to their seats.

They were Alhaji Adamu Abdullahi; Director of Consumer Protection, Capt. Ayodele Sasegbon; Director of General Aviation and Mr. Justus Wariya, Director of Air Transport Regulation.

The Aviation workers’ union speaking through its Secteatery General, Comrade Jide Awoloabi said: “Everybody had been in a state of shock that government would wake up one day and sack all the directors of such a sensitive aviation agency, and without reason. Does it mean that none of them is good enough?”, he asked.

Ripples Nigeria was reliably informed that at least seven of affected directors, in keeping with the mood in both the Presidency and the ministries would report to their duty posts on, or before Monday, depending on the nature of their work.

When contacted on the matter, the NCAA spokesman, Mr. Sam Adurogboye, said the management was still watching events as they unfold.

“Ours is to obey government directive on all issues. Yes, we have seen some signs indicating that the sacking of the directors was in error and we expect the right thing to be done. Perhaps by Monday, the picture would become clearer,” he said.

The other directors expected back on Monday are: Engr. Benedict Adeyileka (Director of Airworthiness), Mr. Austin-Amadi Ifeanyi (Director of Human Resources) and Capt Abdullahi Sidi; Director of Operations and Training.

Others are Alhaji Salawu Ozigi (Director of Finance and Accounts), Dr. Joyce Nkemakolam (Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards), Barr. Aba Ejembi (Director of Administration) and Mr. Emmanuel Ogunbami (Director of Licensing).

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