LEADERSHIP TURMOIL ROCKS EKO DISCO, SAYS TINUADE SANDA
A dispute among Eko Electricity Distribution Company (Eko DisCo) board members arises regarding the dismissal of Dr. Tinuade Sanda, the company’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer.
Sanda’s termination was communicated via a letter signed by Dere Otubu, the Eko DisCo’s chairman, on March 25.
However, Mrs. Rekhiat Momoh replaced Sanda, reportedly assuming the position on Tuesday.
Otubu stated that Sanda’s dismissal resulted from a directive issued by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
“We have received a directive from NERC stating that all staff employed by the utility must be directly employed by the utility, subject to applicable service conditions, and paid through the utility’s payroll.
“The Disco is obliged to adhere to these directives due to NERC’s authority as outlined in the Electricity Act 2023. In compliance, all seconded staff from WPG Ltd are being released by Eko Electricity Distribution Plc and returned to WPG Ltd.
“As such, you are hereby relieved of your role, office, and position at Eko Electricity Distribution Plc with immediate effect, and returned to your employer, WPG Ltd,” stated Otubu.
Previous reports suggested some senior staff members of Eko DisCo were accused of ghost worker recruitment, fraud, and negligence; however, the company refuted these claims.
In response, NERC ordered comprehensive investigations while directing the return of all existing WPG secondees to their original employer.
Regarding the leadership change, Eko DisCo stated, “Mrs. Rekhiat Momoh has assumed the role of Acting CEO of Eko DisCo as of March 26, 2024.
“This follows the redeployment of our former MD/CEO, Mrs. Tinuade Sanda, back to WPG Ltd, the core investor who seconded her to EKEDC.
“We have great confidence in her ability to perform this role effectively and take the company to greater heights,” said EKEDC.
However, Mr. Babor Egeregor, a director and chairman of the Legal & Regulatory Committee, contradicted the chairman’s decision to dismiss Sanda.
He asserted that NERC did not order the removal of any staff except those connected to the alleged fraud and negligence.
Egeregore stated, “It has come to my attention that by a letter dated March 26, 2024, the Chairman of EKEDC, Mr. Dere Otubu, purportedly terminated the Contract of Employment of Dr. Tinuade Sanda, the MD/CEO of EKEDC, allegedly in compliance with orders/directives issued by NERC.
“The said order of NERC is unambiguous and does not request the removal of any staff seconded to or hired by EKEDC, except those involved in alleged fraud and negligence, namely, Wola Joseph Condotti, Sheri Adegbenro, and Aik Alenkhe.”
He added that NERC’s directives aimed to compel EKEDC’s board to take appropriate action amidst protests by the union and staff.
Egeregore criticized Otubu’s letter, alleging it was done in bad faith and retaliation against Sanda for escalating the alleged fraud and issuing queries against a protégé of Otubu.
Regarding Momoh’s appointment, Egeregore stated, “The board of EKEDC, on which I sit, has neither met nor decided on the purported appointment of Mrs. Rekiah Momoh as Acting MD/CEO, unless Mr. Otubu and his associates have assumed the role of ‘the board’.
“I, along with other board members, should distance ourselves from this decision.
“The board operates collectively, and decisions must be collectively deliberated and approved. Mrs. Momoh remains the Chief Commercial Officer of EKEDC.”
Despite the turmoil, Egeregore affirmed EKEDC’s commitment to due process and legality, vowing to resist anything that undermines corporate governance.
“Dr. Tinuade Sanda remains the MD/CEO of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (Eko DisCo) and has since her assumption of office significantly improved EKEDC’s performance, making it the leading distribution company in Nigeria.
“The investors, board, and management firmly believe in her leadership and anticipate more record-breaking achievements,” he concluded.
When contacted, EKEDC spokesperson Babatunde Lasaki clarified that Sanda was not terminated but temporarily asked to step aside “until the realignment of the structural management process is completed.”
Source: Techeconomy
