N1.2 billion fraud: President Tinubu suspends REA MD, Directors from office

President Bola Tinubu has suspended the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, REA, Ahmad Salijijo Ahmad from officer over alleged N1.2 billion fraud.

The indefinite suspension followed investigation that has revealed mind boggling corruption in the agency. He was suspended alongside three Executive Directors of the Agency, from office. They are:

(1) Olaniyi Alaba Netufo — Executive Director, Corporate Services
(2) Barka Sajou — Executive Director, Technical Services
(3) Sa’adatu Balgore — Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund (REF)

Reports said, some funds have been recovered by an anti-graft agency, while Tinubu has ordered a widened investigation into financial activities of REA covering the last two years.

Meanwhile, some individuals have been appointed in acting capacities to serve, pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation of REA. They are:

(1) Abba Abubakar Aliyu — Managing Director/CEO
(2) Ayoade Gboyega — Executive Director, Corporate Services
(3) Umar Abdullahi Umar — Executive Director, Technical Services
(4) Doris Uboh — Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund (REF)
(5) Olufemi Akinyelure — Head of Project Management Unit, Nigeria Electrification Project.

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