Tinubu Takes Decisive Action: Suspends MD and Executive Directors of REA, Orders Probe.
In a bold move, President Bola Tinubu has sanctioned the indefinite suspension of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Salihijo Ahmad. Alongside him, three Executive Directors – Olaniyi Netufo, Barka Sajou, and Sa’adatu Balgore – also face suspension. The action comes in light of revelations emerging from a thorough investigation into the financial activities of the agency.
Presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale, in a release yesterday, outlined Tinubu’s directive for a broader investigation into the alleged misappropriation of a staggering N1.2 billion by these officials over the past two years. Anti-graft agencies have already recovered a portion of this amount.
President Bola Tinubu Appoints New Directors.
In response to the suspensions, Tinubu has appointed a new management team for the REA in an acting capacity. The appointees include Abba Aliyu as Managing Director/CEO, Ayoade Gboyega as Executive Director of Corporate Services, Abdullahi Umar as Executive Director of Technical Services, Doris Uboh as Executive Director, of Rural Electrification Fund (REF), and Olufemi Akinyelure as Head of Project Management Unit, Nigeria Electrification Project.
Tinubu’s statement emphasized the expectation for the appointees to adhere to the highest standards of transparency and accountability. It underscores the President’s commitment to prioritizing the public interest over individual agendas in delivering services to the Nigerian people.
Additionally, Tinubu has greenlit the restructuring of the board of the Nigeria Electricity Liability Management Company (NELMCO). Notable changes include empowering the Minister of Power to assume the board chairmanship from the Minister of Finance. This shift reflects NELMCO’s pivotal role in the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
The renewed board comprises the Minister of Power as Chairman, the Minister of Finance as Vice Chairman, the Director-General of the Debt Management Office, and the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises as members. The NELMCO board’s restructuring aligns with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming for swift progress in managing post-privatization liabilities within the power sector.
Furthermore, Tinubu has demonstrated continuity by approving the reappointment of Dr. Vincent Isegbe as the Director-General of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) for another five-year term. The president commended NAQS for its recent top-tier performance in the efficiency and transparency index, as recognized by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).
Stay informed with Ejes Gist News – Your Source for Credible News in Nigeria Now.
