Reps grill NIMASA officials over lopsided appointments, orders DG to appear in-person

The House of Representatives Committee on Federal Character has summoned the Director General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dayo Mobereola, following his failure to appear before it for an investigative hearing on Wednesday. 

Mobereola, according to the committee was billed to participate at the investigative hearing at the National Assembly Complex but failed to show up.

The panel is investigating the agency over cases of alleged lopsided appointments and other sundry offences. 

The chairman of the Committee, Idris Wase, who expressed displeasure over his absence refused to entertain a presentation from the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr Osembi Osigche who represented the DG at the event. 

Wase, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives mandated the DG to appear before the Committee on July 30, 2024.

“The Committee has the power to walk out an executive subject to the approval of the National Assembly for the prosecution of all cadres of force in the public service of the Federation and the State. 

“There are constitutional provisions guiding our work. It is a constitutional committee, and it may interest you to know that every state or federation is represented by at least one person. 

“The chief executive officer is not here. He has sent in communication to us to ask that the Director of Administration of Human Resources, Mr Osembi Osigche, be allowed to represent him because of other official engagements. 

“There are some questions that we may ask that the representative may not be able to answer. So, I think we should make sure that the chief executive is here before us.

“We agree to let you know that we’re stepping down your appearance for today, and then we shall communicate also the next day for this appearance. We expect him to appear personally,” he said.

Responding, Osigche pleaded with the committee to accept his representation, adding that the NIMASA DG was attending to other pressing national assignments.

He said “We appreciate you and we acknowledge the seriousness this committee takes on this national assignment. He (DG) wanted to come in person. That’s to show you the regard he has for this committee. Because of the nature of the job with international engagement taking him away, he was unable to make it. I am sure be willing to be here on the next appointed date. “

Despite his pleading, the committee insisted on having an interface with the DG, noting that only he could provide answers to the questions that may arise from the investigative hearing.