In a decisive move aimed at addressing alleged financial impropriety, President Bola Tinubu has issued indefinite suspensions to key officials of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), including the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Ahmad Salihijo, and three executive directors.
The suspensions stem from revelations made during a thorough investigation into the financial affairs of the agency, as disclosed by the State House in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.
Entitled ‘President Tinubu Suspends Rural Electrification Agency Managing Director and Team from Office,’ the statement highlighted the president’s commitment to upholding transparency and accountability in government operations.
Alongside Salihijo, those suspended include the Executive Director of Corporate Services, Olaniyi Netufo; the Executive Director of Technical Services, Barka Sajou; and the Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Fund, Sa’adatu Balgore.
The investigation uncovered alleged fraudulent activities totaling over N1.2 billion over the past two years, with some funds already recovered by anti-corruption agencies.
In response, Tinubu has ordered a broader probe into the conduct of the implicated officials, emphasizing the need to address any mismanagement effectively.
To ensure continuity in the agency’s operations, Tinubu has appointed an interim management team. Abba Aliyu will serve as the Acting Managing Director/CEO, with Ayoade Gboyega as the Acting Executive Director of Corporate Services, Umar Umar as the Acting Executive Director of Technical Services, Doris Uboh as the Acting Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Fund, and Olufemi Akinyelure as the Head of the Project Management Unit for the Nigeria Electrification Project.
The president’s directive underscores his administration’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare and interests of Nigerians, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct and effective service delivery.
In concluding the statement, Ngelale reiterated the president’s resolve to elevate governance standards and ensure the fulfillment of citizens’ expectations for good governance and quality service delivery.