By Godwin Oritse
Federal Government yesterday sacked the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Malam Abdul salam Mohammed just as  Mr Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi was appointed as the new Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

The government also appointed the former General Manager in charge of Special duties Engr Umar Suleiman as the new helms man at the Nigerian Ports Authority.

The removal of Abdul salam Mohammed and the appointment of Akpobolokemi has ended a six months of political anxiety and power play that had beclouded both  organisations  in recent times.

Akpobolokemi’s appointment also put to rest the removal of the immediate past who suspended about two weeks ago following a petition written by the NIMASA’s board Chairman Senator Baba Tella to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC)..

Apkobolokemi is the forth Director General to be appointed in less than five years in the life of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and the fourteenth since the creation of the Nigerian Maritime Authority in 1987.

Although, no reason was given for the removal of Abdul-Salam, but Presidency sources told Vanguard that the former NPA boss has completed his four year term and that the government has also refused to extend his tenure.

Efforts to get confirmation from the Public Relations department of NIMASA was futile as no body was ready to comment on the development.

Vanguard however gathered that Malam Abdul Salam had actually written his letter of resignation more than six months, but was advised not to submit it so as not to embarrass the Government.

It was learnt that Abdul Salam Mohammed was very reluctant to accept the appointment four years ago when the announcement was made.

Analysts in the Nigerian maritime industry have expressed concern on the appointment of the new Director General for NIMASA saying that they have never heard of him or his involvement with the industry.

Some stakeholders have also vowed to oppose the appointment of a  non-experienced maritime professional to head an agency as sensitive and strategic as NIMASA.

They are of the view that a non practitioner, rather than add value to the industry  will create more problems for both the government and practitioners.