The Senate on Wednesday revisited the prolonged leadership tussle at the Equipment Leasing Registration Authority, reopening its inquiry into the alleged unlawful removal of the agency’s former Acting Chief Executive Officer, Saidu Njidda.
The dispute, ongoing since mid-2023, traces back to the Federal Government’s dissolution of governing boards across ministries, departments and agencies shortly after President Bola Tinubu took office. The decision, communicated through a circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, created an administrative void within ELRA.
The lack of a clear handover structure heightened internal conflict and triggered allegations of arbitrary decisions, operational stagnation and multiple petitions from disaffected stakeholders.
Amid this turmoil, the Northern Alliance Committee petitioned the Senate, alleging that Njidda—who had served as Executive Chairman and Acting CEO—was removed in a manner that contravened the ELRA Act and key public service regulations.
During Wednesday’s session of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, lawmakers examined the petition calling for Njidda’s reinstatement until the ELRA Act is amended.
Representing the petitioners, Prof. Ibrahim Madugu argued that the removal process lacked due process.
He said, “Njidda, who previously served as Executive Chairman and Acting CEO, was removed unceremoniously and unlawfully.
This development contradicted clear provisions of the ELRA Act and violated the Code of Conduct Bureau Act, the Pension Reform Act, and other public service rules.
Without a formal disengagement letter, a public officer cannot be deemed to have exited service lawfully,” he added, stressing that such gaps carry weighty consequences.
Madugu also faulted the alleged appointment of a new Registrar, describing it as a “blatant breach” of Public Service Rule 17-0201. He referenced President Tinubu’s remarks at a recent judicial conference, asserting that institutional reforms hinge on integrity and stable administrative processes. He urged the Senate to uphold Section 8(a) of the ELRA Act and warned against supervisory authorities using oversight mechanisms to punish compliant officers.
ELRA’s representatives, however, dismissed the accusations.
Speaking for the agency, Oluwasogo Adeuja maintained that Njidda’s tenure concluded immediately after the board he served under was dissolved.
He stated, “Njidda’s tenure effectively ended when the board under which he served was dissolved on 19 June 2023 via a circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.”
Adeuja added that all actions by the former board after the dissolution were invalid, citing the legal guidance of the Attorney-General of the Federation. He noted that a new board emerged in October 2024, after which President Tinubu appointed a substantive Registrar “in line with executive powers.”
He further revealed that an audit conducted by the Auditor-General flagged instances in which Njidda allegedly made payments to himself, saying the agency had formally requested a refund. According to him, only the President has the authority to appoint or dismiss the ELRA Registrar or CEO.
In reaction, the Northern Alliance Committee said they only turned to the legislature after failed attempts to resolve the issue with the executive arm. They clarified that their petition was aimed at ensuring fairness and adherence to procedure, not at challenging presidential authority.
Committee Chairman Imasuen praised both sides for maintaining composure despite tense moments. He instructed the Minister of Finance to organise a stakeholders’ meeting to internally address the matter.
The Senate panel adjourned the case for one month to allow room for reconciliation, warning that a full-scale investigation would begin if the parties fail to settle the dispute.
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