All Ministry of Aviation parastatal heads were sacked today – with only one exception. That exception is Dr. Tony Anuforo, who retains his position as Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMMET).

A statement issued this evening in Abuja by Sam Nwaobasi, Special Assistant (Media) to Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, announced that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has approved the following re-organisation in the aviation ministry:

(i) Engr. Saleh Dumona (Director Projects, FAAN) to replace Mr. George Uriesi as Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

(ii) Engr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam (General Manager, Procurements, NAMA) to replace Engr. Nnamdi Udoh as Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).

(iii) Capt. Samuel Akinyele Caulcrick (Government Safety Inspector & ICAO Focal Point for Nigeria on line Aircraft Safety Information Systems, OASIS) to replace Capt. (Mrs.) Chinyere Kalu as Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT).

(iv) Capt. Muhktar Usman (Commissioner, Accident Investigation & Prevention Bureau, AIPB) to replace Capt. Fola C. Akinkuotu as Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) subject to confirmation by the Senate. Engr. Benedict Adeyileka is to act as DG, NCAA pending the confirmation by the Senate.

(v) Dr. Engr. Felix A. Abali (Director Licencing, NCAA) to replace Capt. Muhktar Usman as Commissioner, Accident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIPB).

No reason was given for the sudden visit of the hangman but the mode of the corporate executions indicates an indictment that runs across the various aviation ministry paratatals. The action is coming barely three weeks after Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah, was forced to resign on February 12 in the wake of alleged breach of office ethics by approving the purchase of two bullet-proof cars at an inflated cost.

•Photo shows SGF Anyim Pius Anyim, who announced the sack of the aviation chiefs.

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