In response to recent revelations from a thorough investigation into the financial activities of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), President Bola Tinubu has enacted decisive measures. Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Salihijo and three executive directors have been indefinitely suspended from their positions.
A statement released by the State House, signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, announced the suspensions. Alongside Salihijo, the executives affected include Olaniyi Netufo, Executive Director of Corporate Services; Barka Sajou, Executive Director of Technical Services; and Sa’adatu Balgore, Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Fund.
Allegations of fraudulent mis-expenditure totaling over N1.2bn over the past two years, with some funds reportedly recovered by anti-graft agencies, prompted the suspensions. In light of these findings, Tinubu has directed a broader inquiry into the conduct of the implicated officials.
To ensure continuity in the REA’s operations, Tinubu has appointed a new interim management team. The team comprises Abba Aliyu as Managing Director/CEO, Ayoade Gboyega as Executive Director of Corporate Services, Umar Umar as Executive Director of Technical Services, Doris Uboh as Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Fund, and Olufemi Akinyelure as Head of the Project Management Unit for the Nigeria Electrification Project.
This move underscores Tinubu’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of transparency and accountability within his administration. It reinforces his pledge to prioritize the Nigerian people’s aspirations for good governance and quality service delivery over the personal interests of individuals entrusted with essential public duties.
