By Gabriel Atumeyi
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the suspension of Charles Agulanna, the director-general of Project Development Institute (PRODA), for alleged corruption, 365Daily has learnt.
The suspension was contained in an internal memo signed by Boss Mustapha, the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), and addressed to Ogbonnaya Onu, the minister of Science and Technology.
The memo, with reference number SGF.6/S.19/T/211, was dated November 5.
According to the document, Daniel Onjeh, chairman of the institute’s governing board, has also been directed to step aside.
According to the memo, the most senior director in the agency will superintend over its activities pending the conclusion of all investigations by the office of the secretary to the government of the federation (OSGF).
“I write to convey the approval of Mr President as follows: the immediate suspension of Engineer Dr. C.N Agulanna, director-general/CEO of the Project Development Institute (PRODA), Enugu, pending the conclusion of an investigation,” the memo read.
“The immediate stepping aside of Comrade Daniel Onjeh, the chairman, governing board of the Project Development Institute (PRODA), pending the conclusion of investigations.”
Ogunlanna was accused of contract splitting, absence from duty without leave, insubordination, nepotism, misappropriation of funds, and disregard for board resolutions.
Other allegations leveled against him include suppressing vital information, sabotage, and extortion of money from contractors as administrative charges.