President Bola Tinubu has taken decisive action by indefinitely suspending the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Ahmad Salihijo, along with three executive directors. This move comes in response to fresh revelations uncovered during a comprehensive investigation into the financial activities of the Rural Electrification Agency.
According to a statement from the State House, President Tinubu suspended not only Salihijo but also the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Olaniyi Netufo; Executive Director, Technical Services, Barka Sajou; and Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund, Sa’adatu Balgore. The investigation focused on a fraudulent mis-expenditure amounting to over N1.2 billion over the past two years, with some funds already recovered by anti-graft agencies.
In light of these findings, President Tinubu has ordered a broader investigation into the conduct of the suspended officials. To ensure the continued operation of the agency, he has appointed a new management team in acting capacity. The appointed individuals include Abba Aliyu as Managing Director/CEO, Ayoade Gboyega as Executive Director, Corporate Services, Umar Umar as Executive Director, Technical Services, Doris Uboh as Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund, and Olufemi Akinyelure as Head of Project Management Unit, Nigeria Electrification Project.
The President emphasized the expectation that all appointees in his administration uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability. He reiterates his commitment to meeting the aspirations of Nigerians for good governance and quality service delivery, prioritizing the broader interests of the people over individual concerns.
