CSO makes case for appointment of CEO of REA from North Central Zone

A socio-political group, operating under the guise of Centre for Transparency and Good Governance, CTGG has advocated for observance of equitable allocation of political offices to the six geopolitical zones of the country.

The equitable allocation of political offices, the group said, would empower democracy and strengthening confidence of citizens in government of the day, saying that they have observed some anomalies that should be corrected in the interest of equity and fairness.

National Coordinator of the Barrister Ishaq Dauda in a statement he issued on Monday and made available to journalists in Abuja, noted that there were infraction on critical provisions of the Act of Parliament that set up the Federal Character Commission, FCC.

The Transparency Group contended that that there was lopsided appointments in the Rural Electrification Agency, REA which has left North Central geopolitical zone behind, as other zones have benefitted from the leadership which is purely political.

The group, therefore sought the magnanimity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint a substantive Managing Director/CEO of REA from the North Central Zone of Nigeria, having no CEO since inception of REA.

The group commended President Tinubu over the ongoing reforms which they believe would yield fruitful results in due time.

The statement said: “The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s power sector, particularly in the vital task of electrifying rural areas. Established under the Electricity Power Sector Reform Act of 2005.

“The agency has undergone a series of leadership changes, reflecting a diverse representation across Nigeria’s political zones.

“In its early years, the REA operated as a department within the Ministry of Power, overseen by Director of Renewables and Rural Access, Engr Olapade from the South West. This phase laid the foundation for the agency’s subsequent development.

“With the enactment of the Electricity Power Sector Reform Act in 2005, the responsibility for rural electrification shifted from a department to a full-fledged agency, officially named the Rural Electrification Agency. Engr Sam Gekpe, hailing from the South South, became the first substantive Managing Director and CEO, steering the REA through its initial stages.

“North East and North West Intrigue:
However, a significant turn of events unfolded as Abdulkarim Saidu Gurin from the North East took overas an Administrator and subsequently Malam Isa Dunari from the North West assumed the role of Acting Managing Director due to an investigation leading to the suspension of Engr Gekpe.

“This marked a period of transition and raised questions about the agency’s stability.

“The subsequent appointment of Engr Ken Achigbu from the South East brought stability and continuity to the REA. Achigbu’s tenure, which extended until 2016, showcased the agency’s commitment to achieving its rural electrification goals.

“Engr Abubakar Wasaram from the North East took over as Acting Managing Director/CEO in 2016, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to regional representation. His role, although interim, contributed to the agency’s ongoing efforts to provide electricity access to remote areas.

“In 2016, the baton passed to Mrs. Damilola Ogunbiyi, marking a return to South West leadership. Ogunbiyi’s tenure showcased a continued dedication to expanding electrification projects and fostering sustainable development in rural regions.

“Following Ogunbiyi’s term, Engr Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad from the North East assumed the role of Managing Director in 2018, reflecting a commitment to regional diversity. Ahmad contributed to the agency’s ongoing efforts to address the energy needs of underserved and unserved communities.

“The most recent development in the REA’s leadership is the appointment of Abba Abubakar Aliyu, an Acting MD/CEO from the North West.

“There is a need to balance the regional shift of the Agencies leadership by allowing the North Central to also produce a substantive Managing Director)CEO.

“This shift will represent a new phase in the agency’s leadership, highlighting the dynamic nature of Nigeria’s power sector and the importance of regional representation in driving rural electrification initiatives.

The journey of the Rural Electrification Agency reflects not only the evolution of a critical institution, but also the commitment to regional diversity in leadership.

“As the agency continues to navigate challenges and expand its reach, the diverse backgrounds of its leaders underscore the importance of a united effort in achieving sustainable rural electrification across Nigeria’s political zones.

“The North Central is blessed with many seasoned administrators and are ready and willing to be called upon to serve.”