Foremost human rights group, the Centre for Promotion of Human Rights in Africa (CPHRA) and its over 100 affiliate organisations, have demanded the immediate removal of the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Engineer Salihijo Ahmad, over his alleged serial breaches of public office and corruption.
The groups threatened to hold a massive protest to press down their demand, saying that the offences committed by Ahmad were so shameful that no serious administration would keep such an officer in office for more than 24 hours.
The President of the group, Comrade Edward Abakpa, who made this known in a statement, said that the protest would be held at the Defence House where the “President-elect”, Bola Tinubu currently stayed ahead of his inauguration on May 29th.
According to Abakpa, Ahmad’s explanation over reports that he awarded contracts worth over N200million to himself did not hold water, adding that it was ridiculous that over 30 bank accounts were reportedly linked to Ahmad.
Abakpa noted that over N2billion of taxpayers’ money have reportedly not been accounted for by the REA while Nigeria has continued to grapple with epileptic power supply.
He stated that “Mr Ahmad is no longer fit to remain in office. His controversial three-year tenure must come to an end.
“This man has turned the REA into a personal business venture where he now awards ‘Consultancy Service’ almost on a weekly basis. These contracts are granted without due process. While the current administration has continued to ignore Ahmad’s sins, we will hold a peaceful protest at the Defence House to call on the President-elect to fire him. Corrupt officials like him will only pollute the new government.
“Over 100 civil society organisations have signalled their interests for this walk. Enough is enough. Ahmad must go.”