Derailed train
House Committee on Land Transport has given the Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Alkali, 48 hours to appear before it to address the August 25 derailment of an Abuja-Kaduna train carrying 618 passengers.
The directive comes after the minister failed to honor a prior invitation to discuss the incident, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Committee Chairperson Blessing Onuh expressed frustration, stating, “It’s unacceptable for the minister to ignore Nigerians when they need answers most. We cut short our recess and traveled from Lagos for this national issue, only for the minister to snub us. This is no joking matter.”
She added, “We are suspending this meeting and mandating the minister to appear in person within 48 hours.”
Deputy Spokesman of the House, Rep. Philip Agbese, criticized the minister’s absence as a sign of incompetence, saying, “This shows he’s unfit for the role entrusted by the President.
“It’s a dangerous signal that he disregards Nigerian lives and the government’s reputation.
“The President has warned against ignoring parliamentary invitations, yet this minister has chosen contempt.”
Rep. Cyril Hart echoed the sentiment, noting the minister’s past as a parliamentarian made his absence particularly disappointing.
“With 618 lives at risk, this incident raises serious concerns about our rail infrastructure’s integrity. For a former lawmaker to shun this committee is a betrayal,” Hart said.
The committee suspended its hearing, vowing to report any further non-compliance to the President if the minister fails to appear within the stipulated timeframe.
NAN
