The House of Representatives has given Transport Minister Sa’idu Alkali 48 hours to appear over the Abuja–Kaduna train derailment that endangered 618 passengers.
The House Committee on Land Transport has ordered Transport Minister Sa’idu Alkali to appear within 48 hours over the Aug. 25 derailment of an Abuja–Kaduna train carrying 618 passengers.
The decision came after Alkali failed to honour an earlier invitation. Committee Chairperson Blessing Onuh said, “It is unacceptable for the minister to turn his back on Nigerians at a time they need him most. A toad does not run in the daytime for nothing.”
Onuh added, “We are therefore suspending this meeting and mandating the Minister to appear in person within 48 hours.”
Deputy House Spokesman Philip Agbese described Alkali’s absence as “a dangerous signal” and warned that continued disregard would be reported to the President.
Rep. Cyril Hart criticised the minister’s conduct, saying, “Over 618 Nigerians could have died. For a former lawmaker to shun this committee is a betrayal.”
The committee vowed that no further proceedings would hold until Alkali appears.