How Amaechi orchestrated Peterside's removal as NIMASA DG -

Ousted Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dakuku Peterside could have got a second term but for his ally and Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi.

Peterside’s tenure expired on Tuesday, March 10 and his successor, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, has since assumed office.

But reports say he could have been re-appointed if Amaechi had not favoured another candidate which the presidency rejected.

It was after this rejection that Jamoh’s name was announced last week, The Nation reported.

Recall that when the new DG’s name was announced last week, the former Rivers State governor denied knowledge of Peterside’s removal, which suggested that he was not carried along in the process.

“Until his tenure expires, that is when you can approach Mr President either to re-appoint or replace him. By law, the President has appointment authority, while the minister has the recommendation authority.

“As the Minister of Transportation, I should know, the government does not take unilateral decisions. If he were to be sacked I should have been intimated of his sack, but I am not aware. Although his tenure expires on Tuesday,” Amaechi had told African Independent Television (AIT).

Peterside handed over to the new DG with his new team of Executive Directors at a ceremony at the Head Office of the agency in Lagos yesterday.

The new team comprises: Hon. Chudi Offodile, Executive Director, Finance and Administration; Shehu Ahmed, Executive Director, Operations; Director General, Dr Bashir Jamoh; Engr Victor Onyekachi Ochei, Executive Director, Cabotage Services. The new Board Chairman is Chief Okorie Asita.