Redeployed FAAN director alleges victimisation

There appears to be no end in sight to the ripples generated by the recent massive redeployment embarked upon in aviation agencies as one of the redeployed directors has vowed to resist her redeployment which she describes as sheer victimisation.

Hajia Salamatu Eluma, Director, Human Resources at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) was in the centre of the controversy over her transfer to the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB).

Minister of State for Aviation Senator Hadi Sirika had announced the redeployment which cuts across all aviation agencies including FAAN, AIB, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET).

According to the minister, the appointments and postings which take immediate effect, would galvanize a robust service delivery in the sector in line with the set objectives of the present administration to reform the aviation industry.

However, the redeployment of Hajia Eluma regarded as a powerful director in FAAN and a close pal of First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, has been generating controversy in the industry as she is alleging persecution with her redeployment which she sees as a demotion.

She hwas been replaced with Mr. Anozie Norris as new Director of Human Resources in FAAN.

Rather than resume at AIB where she has been redeployed to, she has reportedly requested for one year leave of absence and vowed not to resume at AIB. She described the treatment meted to her as not only unfair but unjust.

Daily Trust reliably gathered that the embattled director has petitioned the presidency over her redeployment, alleging the restructuring was targeted at getting at her.

Mixed reactions have trailed the development as aviation stakeholders are divided over her redeployment. While some hail the move, there are others who are sympathetic to the embattled director.

Deputy Director Press and Public Affairs in the minister’s office, Mr. James Odaudu, did not respond to Daily Trust enquiry as at the time of filing this report.

Aviation analyst and Secretary of Aviation Roundtable, retired Group Capt. John Ojikutu, described the ongoing controversy as a non-issue.

He said, “Why can’t we discuss issues about the airport certification and the NCAA reclassification? Why can’t we be discussing about airlines’ travails and the incursions of foreign airlines into our domestic routes? Why can’t we be discussing about the recurring debts of our airlines? Why can’t we situate the NCAA reported tickets scales earnings with the IATA revelation that air transport contributes over $8.2bn or N4.5trn to our GDP?

“These are issues for me and you and not the deployment or sacking of some individuals,” he said.