Senator Abatemi Nurudeen-Usman representing Kogi Central senatorial district yesterday had sharp disagreement with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Bala Mohammed, following the former’s allegation that FCT Administration was condoning indiscipline among transport operators.
The senator, who said the situation implied absence of leadership in FCTA, added that the trend always caused heavy traffic in various parts of the city.
The altercation occurred when Mohammed appeared before the Senate Committee on FCT to defend the 2014 budget estimates of the FCTA.
The senator’s allegation exasperated the minister who said the comment was intended to malign his personality, saying he was insinuating that the rascality and impunity by transport operators in FCT more or less implied an absence of leadership.
“I feel insulted by your comment. I see it as an attack on my integrity and I take exception to it.
You cannot tell me that is the absence of leadership,” Bala fumed.
But Abatemi-Usman insisted that his observation was not meant to question the minister’s integrity, saying it was rather meant to serve as a wake up call on his administration, over the menace of motorists in the nation’s capital.
“I want the public to note that I make no attempt to attack or talk about your integrity. I am only bringing to your attention issues that have been going on and I hope that this is a wake up call,” he said.
After a moment of tensed tension, the minister’s anger subsided and consequently apologised to the senator. “I am apologising for reacting because I felt insulted but whatever, I am your servant and the servant of Nigeria, I would take anything,” he said.
Earlier, the FCT minister had told the committee that FCTA required N470.3 billion for payment and completion of 17 key projects in the National Priority Budget. According to Mohammed, FCT 2014 Budget was given a budget ceiling of N30.4 billion, which he said was inadequate for FCTA.
Source: Thisday
