President Bola Tinubu has suspended the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad with three other executive directors of the agency.

He also appointed a new team of five persons in the management of the REA, with Abba Abubakar Aliyu as Managing Director and CEO.

In a statement on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu said his action followed findings of an investigation into an alleged ₦1.2 billion fraud in the financial dealings of the agency.

According to the statement, while the anti-corruption agency, which is at the head of the ongoing investigation, had already recovered some of the alleged fraudulently appropriated funds, the President has ordered a wider probe into the matter.

In light of recent revelations stemming from a thorough investigation into the financial operations of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), President Bola Tinubu has taken decisive action by indefinitely suspending the Managing Director/CEO of the REA, Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, along with three Executive Directors of the Agency:

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)

Furthermore, President Tinubu has mandated a comprehensive inquiry into the conduct of the aforementioned officials regarding alleged misappropriation of funds totaling over N1.2 billion over the past two years, with some funds already recovered by anti-corruption agencies.

In accordance with the President’s directive, the following individuals have been appointed to serve in acting capacities within the new management team of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA):

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 underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in all government affairs and expects all appointees to uphold these values in the execution of their duties. He remains committed to fulfilling the aspirations of Nigerians for effective governance and quality service delivery, prioritizing the collective interests of the nation above personal agendas.

END.