From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Engrineer Olushola Olumoroti, has accused a senior union leader in the agency of orchestrating unrest and attempting to frustrate ongoing disciplinary proceedings over alleged financial misconduct.
Speaking during a press briefing Olumoroti alleged that Mr. Mudi Raji, described as the former Ilorin Area Manager and current Kwara State Chairman of the National Union of Agricultural and Allied Employees, instigated workers to barricade the entrance of the agency and disrupt official activities.
The MD said the disturbance was linked to an ongoing investigation into allegations of diversion of government revenue, unretired IOUs and other financial infractions allegedly committed while Raji held office.
Olumoroti explained that shortly after assuming office in April 2025, he reviewed reports and disciplinary records handed over by the previous management in line with the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, one of the key issues inherited by the new management was the disciplinary case involving Raji and several other staff members accused of financial misconduct.
“The former management constituted a disciplinary committee to investigate allegations bordering on collection and non-remittance of government revenue against Mr. Mudi Olayinka Raji and others. The committee found him and four others culpable, while three staff members were cleared,” he said.
The MD alleged that the committees discovered evidence showing that government funds were diverted through unretired IOUs and unauthorized financial transactions allegedly carried out in collaboration with individuals outside the agency.
He stated that three separate disciplinary panels, including the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee with representatives from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, reportedly upheld the allegations and recommended sanctions, including dismissal and recovery of unaccounted funds.
Olumoroti disclosed that although the ministry later reduced the recommended dismissal to a warning letter and undertaking of good behaviour following appeals for leniency, the affected officer allegedly rejected the decision and challenged the authenticity of the evidence used against him.
“The minister directed that another committee be set up to verify his claims that the evidence against him was forged, and I immediately complied by inaugurating a fresh committee last Wednesday,” he said.
The agency boss, however, alleged that the recent protest and barricade of the office premises were deliberate attempts to frustrate the new investigative panel from carrying out its assignment.
“This action of causing commotion, barricading the gate and assaulting staff members is an attempt to force government to abandon due process. It is corruption fighting back,” Olumoroti declared.
He further claimed that only a small percentage of workers in the authority belonged to the unions allegedly mobilised for the protest, insisting that the majority of workers were denied access to their offices.
According to him, at least three staff members were assaulted during the disturbance, while another reportedly sustained severe head injuries and is receiving medical attention.
“It is the constitutional right of workers to belong to unions, but hooliganism, violence and attacks on fellow workers will not be tolerated,” he added.
The MD maintained that reforms introduced under his leadership were aimed at strengthening accountability, transparency and efficiency within the agency, noting that resistance from some quarters was expected because the administration had blocked several “unwholesome practices.”
