President Bola Tinubu has taken decisive action by indefinitely suspending the Managing Director/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, and three Executive Directors from their positions. This move comes in response to recent revelations uncovered during a thorough investigation into the financial operations of the agency.
According to a statement released by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, the suspension is due to new findings related to financial mismanagement within the agency. The suspended executives include Olaniyi Alaba Netufo, Barka Sajou, and Sa’adatu Balgore, who held key roles within the organization.
The statement further elaborated, “President Tinubu has also ordered a broader investigation into the conduct of these officials regarding fraudulent misexpenditure totaling over N1.2 billion over the past two years, with some funds already recovered by anti-graft agencies.”
In light of these developments, Abba Abubakar Aliyu has been appointed as the acting Managing Director/CEO. Additionally, a new management team has been constituted, comprising qualified individuals who are expected to serve in acting capacities immediately. The new appointments include Ayoade Gboyega as Executive Director, Corporate Services; Umar Abdullahi Umar as Executive Director, Technical Services; Doris Uboh as Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund (REF); and Olufemi Akinyelure as Head of Project Management Unit, Nigeria Electrification Project.
The statement emphasized President Tinubu’s commitment to transparency and accountability in governance. It reiterated his determination to prioritize the interests of Nigerians by ensuring good governance and delivering quality services, while holding accountable those entrusted with critical roles in serving the nation.
