Senate moves to resolve ELRA leadership crisis, considers petition

The Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions has reopened investigations into the leadership crisis at the Equipment Leasing Registration Authority (ELRA) following a petition alleging the unlawful removal of the agency’s former Acting Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Saidu Njidda. The petition, filed by the Northern Alliance Committee (NAC), claims Njidda was […]

The Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions has reopened investigations into the leadership crisis at the Equipment Leasing Registration Authority (ELRA) following a petition alleging the unlawful removal of the agency’s former Acting Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Saidu Njidda.

The petition, filed by the Northern Alliance Committee (NAC), claims Njidda was removed without due process, formal communication or adherence to public service rules. The group is seeking his reinstatement pending amendments to the ELRA Act.

At the hearing chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, NAC’s representative, Prof. Ibrahim Madugu, argued that Njidda’s removal violated the ELRA Act and other regulations, noting that no disengagement letter was issued.

He also faulted the appointment of a new Registrar, saying it breached Public Service Rule 17-0201, and urged strict compliance with statutory provisions in future appointments.

However, ELRA’s representative, Mr Oluwasogo Adeuja, maintained that Njidda’s tenure ended when the agency’s board was dissolved by a June 19, 2023, circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.  

He said a legal opinion from the Attorney-General affirmed that all actions of the dissolved board were invalid. Adeuja added that an audit query accused Njidda of authorising payments to himself, and that only the President has the authority to appoint or remove the ELRA Registrar.

Senator Imasuen directed the committee to write to the Minister of Finance to convene a stakeholders’ meeting to resolve the matter internally. The issue was adjourned for one month for reconciliation, after which the Senate may undertake a full-scale review if no agreement is reached.