The Senate has reopened investigations into the leadership crisis at the Equipment Leasing Registration Authority (ELRA), focusing on the alleged unlawful removal of the agency’s former Acting Chief Executive Officer, Saidu Njidda.
The dispute, which dates back to mid-2023, began after the Federal Government dissolved the governing boards of ministries, departments and agencies soon after President Bola Tinubu assumed office.
The dissolution, announced through a circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, left ELRA without a clear transition plan and triggered administrative gridlock.
Read Also: ISWAP leader sentenced to 20 years in prison over terror attacks
Amid rising tensions, petitions emerged from stakeholders who accused the agency of arbitrary decisions and operational stagnation.
One of the petitions — filed by the Northern Alliance Committee (NAC) — alleged that Njidda, who previously served as Executive Chairman and Acting CEO, was removed in violation of the ELRA Act and other public service rules.
At Wednesday’s sitting of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, lawmakers reviewed the petition and were urged to direct Njidda’s reinstatement pending amendments to the ELRA Act.
Speaking for the NAC, Prof. Ibrahim Madugu argued that Njidda’s removal lacked legal justification.
“Njidda was removed abruptly and without adherence to statutory provisions,” he said, noting that the action, in their view, also breached the Code of Conduct Bureau Act, the Pension Reform Act and relevant public service regulations.
He added that the absence of a formal disengagement letter “carries serious implications,” insisting that due process was not followed.
Madugu also faulted the alleged appointment of a new Registrar, saying it did not comply with Public Service Rule 17-0201. He referenced President Tinubu’s recent remarks on judicial reforms, arguing that credible reforms can only thrive where integrity and administrative order are upheld.
But ELRA representatives denied the allegations.
Speaking for the agency, Oluwasogo Adeuja maintained that Njidda ceased to be CEO once the board under which he served was dissolved.
“Njidda’s tenure ended with the dissolution of the board on 19 June 2023,” he said, citing a legal opinion from the Attorney-General of the Federation which, according to him, affirmed the validity of the agency’s position.
Adeuja explained that a new board was inaugurated in October 2024, after which President Tinubu appointed a substantive Registrar. He also revealed that an audit by the Auditor-General raised concerns over payments allegedly made by Njidda to himself, prompting a demand for refund.
He stressed that only the President has the authority to appoint or remove the ELRA Registrar or CEO.
The NAC, however, said they approached the National Assembly only after efforts to resolve the issue through the executive arm failed. They maintained that the petition sought fairness and due process, not a challenge to presidential authority.
Committee chairman Imasuen commended both sides for maintaining decorum despite tense moments. He directed the Minister of Finance to convene a stakeholders’ meeting to resolve the matter internally.
The Senate panel adjourned the petition for one month to allow for reconciliation and warned that a full review would commence if the dispute remains unresolved.
