Hadiza Bala Usman, former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and a political ally of the former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, was sacked from her plum job on allegations of corruption.
By Emma Ogbuehi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of two additional Special Advisers and two Senior Assistants.
The new Special Advisers are Hadiza Bala Usman Special Adviser, Policy Coordination, and Hannatu Musa Musawa, Special Adviser, Culture and Entertainment Economy.
The two new Special Assistants are Sen. Abdullahi Abubakar Gumel, Senior Special Assistant, National Assembly Matters (Senate), and Hon. (Barr) Olarewaju Kunle Ibrahim Senior Special Assistant, National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives).
Hadiza Bala Usman, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and a political ally of the former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, was sacked from her plum job on allegations of corruption.
The 9th Senate approved President Tinubu’s request to appoint 20 special advisers.
The then Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, read the president’s request on the floor of the upper legislative chamber on Tuesday, June 6.
The Red Chamber, while approving the request, noted the number one citizen did not disclose the identity of the 20 special advisers.
However, after the letter was read in the chamber, the Senate approved the request.
The then-Senate President Ahmad Lawan said it was of “utmost urgency” that the President has his team to work with.
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“Because there is no name for special advisers we will just approve it from here. We feel that that this is something of utmost urgency,” he said.
The development came days after Tinubu announced the appointment of Femi Gbajabiamila, as his Chief of Staff, and Senator George Akume, former Minister of Special Duties, as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
Then on June 15, Tinubu gave portfolios to eight special advisers.
The president announced the portfolios and individuals holding them in a statement by the Director of Information at the State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye.
Dele Alake was appointed special adviser on special duties, communications and strategy.
The pioneer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu, was named his special adviser on security.
Wale Edun was appointed special adviser on monetary policies.
Others named in the statement are Yau Darazo appointed special adviser, political and intergovernmental affairs; Olu Verheijen, special adviser, energy; and Zacchaeus Adedeji, special adviser, revenue.
Also listed are John Uwajumogu, special adviser, industry, trade and investment; and Salma Anas, special adviser, health.
On Monday, Ribadu was formally elevated to the position of National Security Adviser (NSA).