The Namibia Industrial Development Agency has wielded the axe to suspend CEO Mihe Gaomab with immediate effect, without providing reasons for the move. 

Nida board chairperson Sebby Kankondi, in an internal memo to employees seen by this paper, last week informed them of their decision. 

“We start this year on a rather sad not. The board of directors, hereby confirms the suspension of the CEO with immediate effect,” the seasoned executive wrote. 

He did not give the specific, citing only pending “conclusion of an internal process”.

“Reasons for his [Gaomab’s] suspension remain confidential, therefore cannot be disclosed,” Kankondi said, while welcoming the staff back from the festive season in the same missive. 

In the interim, Gaomab’s void will be filled by Phillip Namundjebo “until further notice”.

Details around the suspension remains sketchy at this point. 

During his time at the agency, Gaomab has not shied away from courting controversy. 

Late last year, he was pictured wearing Swapo party regalia, whilst on official duties. He was widely criticised. 

Gaomab, it has also been reported, is on his third extension of his probation at the industrial agency. 

On face value, it appears, Gaomab has failed to impress the Kankondi-led board to hire him permanently. 

Yesterday, Gaomab was not available to respond immediately as his phone went unanswered. 

He did also not respond to a question sent via popular social media cite, WhatsApp, despite the delivery being confirmed. 

An economist by training, Gaomab has previously occupied high-profile posts, including positions at Bank of Namibia, the Southern African Customs Union and the Namibia Competition Commission. 

He has also served as the board chairperson of the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia and Fishcor, the troubled government fishing company.  

 -emumbuu@nepc.com.na