President Bola Tinubu has approved the indefinite suspension of the Managing Director/CEO, Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, and three Executive Directors.
The decision follows a comprehensive investigation revealing alleged financial misappropriation totaling over N1.2 billion over the past two years.
The suspended officials include Olaniyi Alaba Netufo, Executive Director of Corporate Services, Barka Sajou, Executive Director of Technical Services, and Sa’adatu Balgore, Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Fund (REF). This suspension marks a significant step towards addressing fraudulent practices within the agency.
President Tinubu has also mandated a broader probe into the conduct of the implicated individuals, emphasizing the need for thorough scrutiny of their actions. Notably, some funds have already been recovered by anti-graft agencies, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations.
To ensure the uninterrupted operation of the Rural Electrification Agency, President Tinubu has appointed a new interim management team. Abba Abubakar Aliyu assumes the role of Acting Managing Director/CEO, supported by Ayoade Gboyega, Executive Director of Corporate Services, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Executive Director of Technical Services, Doris Uboh, Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Fund (REF), and Olufemi Akinyelure, appointed as the Head of the Project Management Unit for the Nigeria Electrification Project.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, who broke the news in a statement on Thursday, reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.
The President expects all appointees to uphold the highest standards of integrity and prioritize the welfare of Nigerians above personal interests.
