Iraq's Electricity Minister suspends Southern Electricity director, opens investigation

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Electricity Minister Ali Saadi Wahib has signed a ministerial order removing Ghays Najib Obaid, director general of the Southern Electricity Distribution General Company, from duty for 60 days and launching an investigation into his conduct, according to a copy of the order circulated on Monday. The same order establishes an investigative commission to review all of the company's transactions. During the 60-day suspension, Tariq Faraj Ahmed will take over management of the company, which oversees electricity distribution in southern Iraq. The ministry cited the need for a comprehensive review of the company's operations as the reason for the measure. The decision comes as Iraq's southern provinces continue to face persistent problems with electricity supply, and the ministry has framed the step as part of broader oversight of state-owned companies' performance.