By Sadiq Umar, Abuja.
President Muhammadu Buhari has terminated the appointment of Patrick Ziakede Akpobolokemi as director-general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
Special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, who confirmed Akpobolokemi’s sack in a statement Thursday, said the decision takes immediate effect.
According to the statement, “He is to hand over the management of NIMASA and all government property in his possession to the most senior officer in the agency who will remain in charge until a new director-general is appointed.”
The former NIMASA boss was reappointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan for another four-year tenure that was expected to terminate in 2018.
Although, no reason was given for his sack, sources said it may not be unconnected with his apolitical stance in the events leading to the last general elections.
The involvement of NIMASA in the award of controversial pipeline surveillance contracts to ex-militants and militia groups may also have contributed.
Until his appointment in 2010, Akpobolokemi had worked as a lecturer at the Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island in Bayelsa state.
