The House of Representatives Committee on Land Transport has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Alkali to appear before it over the recent derailment of an Abuja–Kaduna bound train which had 618 passengers on board.
The committee took the decision on Tuesday following the failure of the minister to appear before for the investigative hearing on the mishap.
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Chairman of the panel, Hon. Blessing Onuh who expressed displeasure over Alkali’s absence, said it was unacceptable for him to “turn his back on Nigerians at a time they need him most.”
Onuh said, “A toad does not run in the daytime for nothing. We are on recess, but many of us cut our break and came all the way from Lagos because of this national tragedy only for the Minister to snub the parliament. We take strong exception to this.
“Our brothers and sisters were endangered. This is not a joke. We are therefore suspending this meeting and mandating the Minister to appear in person within 48 hours.”
Deputy Spokesman of the House and member of the committee, Hon. Philip Agbese, said the minister’s absence was proof of incompetence and disregard for Nigerians.
“This action clearly shows he is not competent to handle the job entrusted to him by the President. It is a dangerous signal that he does not care about the lives of Nigerians or the reputation of this government.
“The President has warned that no Minister or agency head should ignore parliament. This Minister has chosen contempt. If he fails to show up, Nigerians should know there is effectively no Minister of Transportation in this country,” Agbese said.
Another member of the panel, Hon. Cyril Hart wondered why Alkali as a former lawmaker chose to dishonour the House.
“Over 618 Nigerians could have died. This raises serious questions about the integrity of our rail infrastructure. For a former lawmaker to shun this committee when Nigerians need answers is a betrayal.
“Even the Railway MD has a history of trying to join this parliament, so he knows the respect due to it. We cannot allow anyone to toy with the lives of our people,” he said.
The committee unanimously resolved to suspend its hearing until the minister appears in person, warning that continued disregard would be reported directly to President Bola Tinubu.