Scandal: Tinubu Cracks Down on REA Officials Amid N1.2bn Fraud

By William Emmanuel Ukpoju

In a swift response to allegations of financial misconduct within the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken decisive action by suspending the Managing Director/CEO and three Executive Directors from their positions.

The suspension follows a comprehensive investigation that revealed fraudulent misexpenditure amounting to over N1.2 billion over the past two years. The move underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to transparency and accountability in public service.

According to the press release issued by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media & Publicity, “In the light of new findings unearthed during 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 Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, alongside three Executive Directors of the Agency, from office: Olaniyi Alaba Netufo — Executive Director, Corporate Services, Barka Sajou — Executive Director, Technical Services, Sa’adatu Balgore — Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund (REF)”.

Consequently, a wider investigation into the conduct of the implicated officials has been ordered to ensure that all parties involved are held accountable for their actions; “Furthermore, President Tinubu has ordered a wider investigation into the conduct of the aforementioned officials in a fraudulent misexpenditure amounting to over N1.2 billion over the past two years, some of which has already been recovered by anti-graft agencies”, the statement further stated.

Ngelale further specified that “By the directive of the President, the following qualified Nigerians are appointed to serve in the new management team of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in acting capacity with immediate effect: 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 (REF) and Olufemi Akinyelure — Head of Project Management Unit, Nigeria Electrification Project”.

Overall, “The President expects all appointees to uphold the highest standards of integrity and diligence in the execution of their duties. This administration remains steadfast in its commitment to prioritizing the interests of the Nigerian people above all else” the President stressed.