The House of Representatives Committee on Land Transport has summoned the Minister of Transportation, Ahmed Alkali, giving him 48 hours to appear and explain the circumstances surrounding the recent derailment of a Kaduna-bound train carrying about 618 passengers.
At its investigative hearing on the incident, the committee expressed anger that the minister failed to honour its invitation.
Chairman of the committee, Blessing Onuh, described the minister’s absence as disrespectful to the parliament and insensitive to Nigerians who deserve answers.
Quoting a proverb, she said, “There is the saying that a toad does not run in the daytime for nothing. You all know that we are on break. It is because of this issue that some of us came from Lagos just to be in this meeting. Here we are, and the Minister is not here.
“We seriously frown at this because it is one issue that we must take seriously. We are here to investigate the recent rail derailment, and the Minister is not here. This is a serious issue because our brothers and sisters were affected. We will discontinue the meeting and invite the minister to appear in person within 48 hours.
“I am surprised that the Minister is not here, considering the magnitude of what we have before us. It is shocking. Since the MD of Nigeria Railways is here, I want to appeal to us to hear him out.”
A member of the committee and Deputy Spokesman of the House, Phillip Agbese, said the Minister’s decision not to appear before the committee is a clear sign that he is not competent to handle the job the President gave him.
He suggested that the House report the Minister to the President, adding that the President has made it clear that he will not tolerate any Minister or head of agency who refuses to honour invitations by the parliament.
He said, “The action of the Minister is a clear indication that he does not care about what happens to Nigerians. I want it reported that a certain Minister of Transport does care about the reputation of this government, the effect it would have, and the neglect of the Nigerian people. We are here to investigate what happened and what has been happening, and the Minister is stalling the process.
“There is no doubt that the minister has deliberately refused to be part of this meeting because of the gravity of his inefficiency and incompetence, because of the disaster he would have caused this nation. It is because of the gravity of what has happened that we are all here today.
“The Minister has continued to treat this parliament with disdain. It is no longer time for us to allow the Minister take us for a ride. I want to move that we suspend this meeting pending when the Minister and his agencies will be able to appear before us.
“This committee should make it clear that he is incompetent and should not continue to occupy that office, and since he does not have the competence, let that be communicated to the President.
“I remember the President telling us that he is not ready to tolerate any Minister or head of agency who is not ready to appear before the parliament. If he fails to appear before us, let us agree with Nigerians that there is no minister in that ministry.”
Another member of the committee, Cyril Hart, expressed displeasure that the Minister, who is a former parliamentarian, chose to dishonour the committee.
Hart said, “When I listened to the beautiful submission of Hon Agree, I felt like crying. Over 618 Nigerians were almost killed, which implies that perhaps the tracks were constructed with inferior materials.
“I listened to the fact that the Minister was once a parliamentarian and understand the function of this parliament. To stay away when Nigerians need him most is to say the least that he did not do service to Nigerians.
“MD Railways, in 2007, you contested for the House of Representatives, but did not succeed. You contested for the Senate, but did not succeed, which showed your desire to be in this parliament. I think that those of us who succeeded should be accorded some respect. The last time we invited you, you were just grandstanding. You must take your work seriously.”
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