Financial impropriety: FG suspends MD, Executive Directors of Rural Electrification Agency

Following a comprehensive investigation into the financial activities of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), President Bola Tinubu has approved the indefinite suspension of the Managing Director/CEO of the agency, Mr Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad.

Also suspended are the three Executive Directors of the agency.

They are: Olaniyi Alaba Netufo — Executive Director; Corporate Services, Barka Sajou; Executive Director, Technical Services, and Sa’adatu Balgore; Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund.

Appointed to serve in the new management team in acting capacities are: Abba Abubakar Aliyu, Managing Director/CEO, Ayoade Gboyega — Executive Director, Corporate Services,
Umar Abdullahi Umar, Executive Director, Technical Services, Doris Uboh, Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund and Olufemi Akinyelure, Head of Project Management Unit.

A statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, a copy of which was obtained by Persecondnews said President Bola Tinubu has ordered a wider investigation into the conduct of the aforementioned officials in a fraudulent expenditure amounting to over N1.2 billion over the past two years, some of which has already been recovered by anti-graft agencies.

“President Bola Tinubu expects all appointees in his administration to uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability in the discharge of their duties.

“He reiterates his determination to elevate the yearnings of Nigerians for good governance and qualitative service delivery above the narrow interests of individuals who are entrusted to provide critical services to the Nigerian people.”