By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives Committee on Land Transport has given the Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, 48 hours to appear before it following the recent derailment of an Abuja–Kaduna train carrying 618 passengers.
The Committee was visibly angered on Tuesday when the Minister failed to attend its investigative hearing into the incident. 
Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Blessing Onuh, described the Minister’s absence as an insult to Nigerians and an abdication of responsibility at a critical moment.
She said: “A toad does not run in the daytime for nothing. We are currently on recess, yet many of us cut our break and travelled from Lagos to attend this important sitting, only for the Minister to ignore parliament. We take serious exception to this. The lives of our brothers and sisters were at stake — this is no laughing matter. We are suspending this meeting and mandating the Minister to appear in person within 48 hours.”
Deputy House Spokesman, Rep. Philip Agbese, went further, branding the Minister’s conduct a sign of incompetence and disregard for the Nigerian people.
In his words: “This action clearly shows he is not fit to handle the responsibility entrusted to him by the President. It signals that he neither values Nigerian lives nor the reputation of this government. The President has warned that no Minister or agency head should treat parliament with contempt, yet this Minister has chosen exactly that path. Should he fail to appear, Nigerians must understand they effectively have no Minister of Transportation.”
Similarly, Rep. Cyril Hart expressed dismay that Alkali, himself a former parliamentarian, would choose to dishonour the House.
“Over 618 lives were put in danger. This incident raises serious questions about the safety and integrity of our rail system. For a former lawmaker to disregard this committee at such a time is a betrayal. Even the Railway MD once sought to join this parliament and knows the respect it commands. We cannot permit anyone to gamble with Nigerian lives,” he said.
The Committee unanimously resolved to suspend its hearing until the Minister presents himself, warning that any further display of contempt would be reported directly to the President.
