President Bola Tinubu has taken decisive action by indefinitely suspending the Managing Director/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, along with three Executive Directors of the agency. This move comes in the wake of allegations of fraudulent misexpenditure amounting to over N1.2 billion over the past two years.
The suspended officials include Olaniyi Alaba Netufo, Executive Director of Corporate Services; Barka Sajou, Executive Director of Technical Services; and Sa’adatu Balgore, Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Fund (REF).
In response to the serious allegations, President Tinubu has ordered a thorough investigation into the conduct of the aforementioned officials. Some of the misappropriated funds have already been recovered by anti-graft agencies.
To ensure continuity and effective management of the agency, President Tinubu has appointed new officials to serve in acting capacities with immediate effect. Abba Abubakar Aliyu assumes the role of Managing Director/CEO, while Ayoade Gboyega, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Doris Uboh, and Olufemi Akinyelure take on the responsibilities of Executive Directors and Head of Project Management Unit for the Nigeria Electrification Project.
In a statement released by President Tinubu’s media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, it was emphasized that the President expects all appointees in his administration to uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability. Tinubu reiterated his commitment to fulfilling the yearnings of Nigerians for good governance and qualitative service delivery, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the collective interests of the Nigerian people over individual agendas.
