River Basin Authority Boss accuses Union leader of orchestrating violence to sabotage fraud probe

By Muyideen Aliyu

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Engr. Olushola George Olumoroti, has accused a senior union leader and former Ilorin Area Manager of orchestrating violence to disrupt official activities and frustrate investigations into alleged financial misconduct.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin on Monday, Olumoroti alleged that Mr. Mudi Olayinka Raji, the current Kwara State Chairman of the National Union of Agricultural and Allied Employees (NUAEE), led a disruption at the agency’s premises early this morning.

The Managing Director claimed the protest was a strategic move to halt a committee currently probing allegations of corruption and revenue diversion leveled against Raji.

According to Olumoroti, the crisis originated from disciplinary actions initiated before he assumed office in 2025.

He stated that records inherited upon his appointment revealed allegations of gross misconduct against Raji, including the collection and non-remittance of government revenue, the unauthorized issuance of IOUs, and the diversion of public funds.

Investigations by multiple disciplinary panels reportedly found Raji and four others culpable, with some panels recommending Raji for outright dismissal due to violations of the public service code.

Olumoroti further explained that although the Federal Ministry of Water Resources initially upheld these sanctions, the punishment was later downgraded to a warning letter and an undertaking of good conduct following an appeal for leniency.

However, Raji allegedly rejected this decision, accusing the authority of forging evidence against him.

In response, the Minister directed that a new committee be established to verify the authenticity of the claims, which was inaugurated last Wednesday.

The Managing Director described the recent commotion and the barricading of the agency’s gates as a ploy to force the government to bypass its own rules.

He further alleged that the unrest turned physical, resulting in injuries to several workers.

According to Olumoroti, three staff members were hospitalized after being assaulted with dangerous weapons, with one individual sustaining severe head injuries.

Labeling the situation a case of corruption fighting back, Olumoroti maintained that reforms introduced under his leadership to improve transparency have met stiff resistance from those benefiting from irregular practices.

He emphasized that while workers have a constitutional right to join unions, the administration will not tolerate acts of violence, intimidation, or the disruption of government business.