145
By Tracy Moses, Abuja
The House of Representatives Committee on Land Transport has given the Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, 48 hours to appear before it over last week’s Abuja–Kaduna train derailment involving 618 passengers.
The order came after the Minister failed to attend the committee’s investigative hearing on Tuesday, an absence that angered lawmakers.
The Chairperson of the committee, Hon. Blessing Onuh, said Alkali’s decision to stay away was intolerable, stressing that Nigerians deserved accountability in the wake of the near tragedy.
She stated, “There is always a reason a toad runs in the daytime. Even though we are on recess, many of us travelled from different parts of the country because of the seriousness of this matter, only for the Minister to disregard us. We will not accept this. Over 600 citizens’ lives were endangered. This is a national issue, not something to trivialize. Therefore, this sitting is suspended, and the Minister must appear within 48 hours.”
Deputy House Spokesman, Hon. Philip Agbese, was more direct, arguing that Alkali’s absence was proof of incompetence and disregard for Nigerians.
He said: “This attitude clearly shows he is not fit for the assignment the President gave him. It portrays him as someone unconcerned about Nigerian lives or about the image of this administration. The President has already warned that no Minister or head of agency should snub the parliament, but he has done so. If he fails to appear, Nigerians should know we effectively have no Minister of Transportation.”
On his part, Hon. Cyril Hart described the Minister’s action as dishonourable, noting that as a former legislator, Alkali should have been more respectful to parliament.
He remarked: “Over 618 Nigerians could have lost their lives. This incident calls into question the reliability of our rail infrastructure. For a former lawmaker to treat this House with such disregard is a betrayal. Even the Managing Director of the Railway Corporation once sought a seat in parliament, so he knows the respect owed to this institution. We cannot allow anyone to gamble with Nigerian lives.”
The committee unanimously agreed to suspend further proceedings until the Minister honours the summons, warning that continued defiance would be reported directly to the President.