FG Sacks Demuren, NCAA Boss

President Goodluck Jonathan, has relieved Dr. Harold  Demuren, director general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) of his job with effect from yesterday, Monday.

Jonathan removed Demuren through a statement issued on Monday night by Mr. Sam Nwaobasi, special assistant (Media) to by Anyim Pius Anyim, secretary to the Government of the Federation over failure to give "unsatisfactory response" to stakeholders in the aviation sector.

The statement entitled, ‘Removal of Dr. Harold Olusegun Demuren from office as Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority,’ read: “His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has approved the removal of Dr. Harold Olusegun Demuren from office as the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority with effect from March 12, 2013.

“This is consequent upon a careful consideration of Dr. Demuren’s unsatisfactory response to the numerous concerns of stakeholders in the aviation sector. Mr. President wishes him well in his future endeavours.”

Both the Senate and House of Representatives had called for the sacking of the NCAA DG following last year’s crash of a Dana Air plane in Ishaga area of Lagos that claimed 163 lives.

The House of Representatives had on Wednesday, December 19, 2012, blamed the June 3, 2012 crash on negligence by the regulatory authorities and recommended the dismissal and prosecution of Demuren.

Born May 31, 1945 in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria  Demuren is an Aeronautical Engineer who reformed the Nigerian Aviation sector and restored the lost confidence to the Industry.

He drew  up a strategic short, medium and long term plan anchored on Safety, Security and Satisfaction (consumer) in that order of priority.

Dr. Demuren introduced a safety reform Agenda which enthroned professionalism, integrity and transparency in the conduct of Aviation business.

He  was first to provide vital information to the public on facts leading to Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab's failed attempt as the "Christmas Day Bomber".