SPECIAL REPORT: How Suspended NEMA Directors Triumph Over Victimisation

When six senior officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) were abruptly suspended in April 2018, the move was widely condemned as arbitrary, politically motivated, and a violation of their constitutional rights as Nigeria citizens and members of the responder agency.

The suspensions, implemented on the day the agency’s Governing Council was inaugurated, tarnished their professional standing and reputations.

Inaugurated to fulfill its statutory mandate as the oversight and policy-making body of the agency according to the NEMA Establishment Act, the council is responsible for managing and superintending the affairs of the agency; formulating policies relating to disaster management in Nigeria; and coordinating plans and programs for efficient disaster response at the national level.

While its legal purpose was to provide administrative direction and ensure public trust, the inauguration became a flashpoint for controversy that surrounded the suspension six officials.

The House of Representatives Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness later questioned the “arbitrary and suspicious” nature of this timing, suggesting that the council was used to sideline officials who had opposed the then Director-General (DG)’s, Mustapha Maihaja, alleged breach of due process in contract awards, rather than fulfilling its role of ensuring transparent governance.

Years later, the story of these directors has become one of resilience, vindication, and meritorious service.

Victimisation Without Fair Hearing

The six officials, Akinbola Hakeem Gbolahan (Finance and Accounts), Umesi Emenike (Special Duties), Alhassan Nuhu (Risk Reduction), Mamman Ali Ibrahim (Air Ambulance Unit), Yinusa Deji Ganiyu (Chief Maintenance Officer), and Mohammed Kanar (Welfare), were suspended under the leadership of Maihaja who served between 2017 and 2020 under the late Muhammadu Buhari administration.

House of Representatives Committee’s investigations in 2018 later revealed that the suspensions were without fair hearing, as Maihaja himself admitted, “We didn’t see the need to invite them” during the probe.

The move according to the committee violated public service rules and Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), amounting to abuse of power.

According to the house, while the DG himself was implicated in mismanagement of billions, including N1.6bn flood relief funds and N33bn ecological funds, the directors were scapegoated and sidelined.

The House Committee recommended their reinstatement, describing the suspensions as contempt of parliament and a gross injustice.

EFCC Clearance and Reinstatement

The directors were referred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation. After years of continuous suspension extension, which was initially given a period of 3 months, pending the investigation, they were cleared and reinstated in 2021 under a new DG, Mustapha Habib Ahmed.

Their return was celebrated by staff, who saw them as victims of internal politics rather than corruption.

Even in the case of Ganiyu Yunusa Deji, who faced EFCC charges over fuel supply contracts, testimony in court revealed that the payments into his account were linked to staff welfare and medical assistance, not bribery.

This distinction suggested that the suspensions were motivated by internal power conflicts rather than substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Service After Victory

Despite the troubles and over three years litigation, the directors returned to serve with distinction. Their careers after reinstatement became a blueprint of resilience and professionalism, with Akinbola Hakeem Gbolahan retiring honourably on July 5, 2021. Mohammed Kanar, Alhassan Nuhu, and Umesi Emenike retired on July 2, 2023, August 7, 2023, and March 2, 2026, respectively, each leaving behind a legacy of dedication to public service.

Captain Mamman Ibrahim remains in service, continuing his role in the Air Ambulance Unit, ensuring the nation’s emergency response capabilities stay robust. Yinusa Deji Ganiyu also remains in service, despite earlier entanglement in legal proceedings.

This means that four retired successfully, leaving behind legacies of integrity, while two continue to serve Nigeria in critical emergency roles, underscoring their commitment to the Nigeria’s development.

Symbol of Triumph

Their ordeal reflects the dangers of politicisation in public service, where dedicated professionals can be victimised for standing against irregularities. Their restoration and subsequent service show that justice, though delayed, can prevail.

From suspension without hearing to reinstatement after clearance, and finally to honorable retirement or continued service, these six officials embody perseverance.