Alleged N1.2Bn Fraud: President Tinubu Axes Four Top Executives Of Rural Electrification Agency
Following new findings unearthed during a comprehensive investigation into the financial activities of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, March 7, 2024, approved the indefinite suspension of the Managing Director/CEO of the Agency, Mr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad.
Ahmad was suspended alongside three Executive Directors of the Agency namely; Mr. Olaniyi Alaba Netufo — Executive Director, Corporate Services, Barka Sajou — Executive Director, Technical Services and Sa’adatu Balgore — Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund (REF).
Furthermore, President Tinubu has ordered a wider investigation into the conduct of the suspended officials in a fraudulent expenditure amounting to over N1.2 billion over the past two years, some of which have been recovered by anti-graft agencies.
A statement by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, said that following the suspension of the four top management staff of the Agency, President Tinubu has approved the appointment of the following qualified Nigerians to serve in the new management team of the REA in acting capacity with immediate effect.
The new appointees include Abba Abubakar Aliyu — Managing Director/CEO, Ayoade Gboyega — Executive Director, Corporate Services, Umar Abdullahi Umar — Executive Director, Technical Services and Doris Uboh — Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund (REF) while Olufemi Akinyelure is to serve as Head of Project Management Unit, Nigeria Electrification Project
President Tinubu said that he expects all of his appointees to uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
He reiterated 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.
