Reps threaten arrest warrant against REA MD

The House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy has threatened to issue a warrant of arrest against the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu over his failure to appear before it at an ongoing investigative hearing in Abuja. Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Afam Ogene, directed the REA Managing Director to […]

The House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy has threatened to issue a warrant of arrest against the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu over his failure to appear before it at an ongoing investigative hearing in Abuja.

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Afam Ogene, directed the REA Managing Director to appear in person on Tuesday, March 2, warning that the National Assembly would not tolerate disregard for its constitutional oversight powers.

“We as lawmakers are elected to hold public officers accountable in line with Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution as amended,” Ogene said, ordering the Agency to submit a comprehensive written response to issues raised within 48 hours.

Members of the Committee expressed strong displeasure over the MD’s absence, describing it as disrespectful to the legislature.

Rep. Kwamoti Laori (Demsa/Numan/Lamurde, Adamawa) warned that such conduct should no longer be condoned, calling for the issuance of a warrant of arrest through the Inspector-General of Police if the directive is not complied with.

Similarly, Rep. Shina Oyedeji (Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa, Oyo) insisted that public officers must account for their stewardship, particularly in light of the substantial public funds and grants managed by the Agency.

 

 

 

Responding on behalf of the Agency, the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Mr. Gboyega Ayoade, tendered an unreserved apology, stating that the Managing Director’s absence was neither deliberate nor intended as a slight on the Committee. He appealed for additional time to respond to the Committee’s concerns.

 

 

 

Meanwhile, the National President of the Licensed Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria (LECAN), High Chief Vitus Ofodum Vitus Ikenna, urged the lawmakers to mandate the engagement of certified electrical professionals in renewable energy projects nationwide.

 

 

 

LECAN members are certified by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency under the Electricity Act 2023. The association raised concerns that several donor-funded renewable energy projects had been handled by unqualified contractors, resulting in abandoned or failed installations.

 

 

 

Ikenna called for stronger enforcement powers for NEMSA to prosecute safety and standards violations, stressing that stricter regulatory oversight is essential to safeguard lives, ensure sustainability and guarantee value for money in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.