Ezekiel Awojide, Abuja
Political activist, Comrade Timi Frank, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately suspend the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, following corruption allegations raised by the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
Frank, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and currently ULMWP Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East as well as Senior Advisor to the Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA, in a statement on Tuesday, Frank described the claim as “alarming and deeply disturbing,” stressing that it raises fundamental questions about accountability and integrity in public office.
He said the allegation, which suggests that about $5 million was spent on the secondary education of the NMDPRA boss’s children in Switzerland, was too serious to be ignored and must trigger an urgent investigation by anti-corruption agencies.
“Coming from Aliko Dangote, the richest man in Africa and a globally respected businessman, this allegation cannot be dismissed. It is weighty and should be treated with the seriousness it deserves,” Frank said.
He urged President Tinubu to break his silence on the matter, warning that failure to act decisively would cast doubt on the administration’s commitment to fighting corruption.
“The President must act immediately by suspending the NMDPRA CEO and ordering a transparent and independent investigation. Continued silence on this issue is unacceptable and sends a hazardous signal to Nigerians,” he said.
Frank also called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to commence an immediate probe, insisting that no public official should be shielded from scrutiny.
“Even though EFCC is handling former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello’s prosecution over alleged corruption with kid gloves, the fact remains that the issue at stake borders on payment of school fees for children allegedly using state funds.
According to him, the allegation comes at a time of severe economic hardship, making it morally troubling for any government appointee to be linked with extravagant personal spending.
“Nigerians are hungry and struggling to survive, yet we are confronted with allegations of obscene luxury by public officials. This is the same pattern we have seen in previous high-profile corruption cases,” Frank stated.
He warned that failure to investigate the matter could further erode public trust in government institutions and discourage investors already wary of corruption risks in Nigeria and further lend credence to President Donald Trump’s tag of ‘disgraced country.’
Frank commended Dangote for speaking out, describing his action as an act of patriotism and civic responsibility.
“He had no obligation to raise this issue, but he chose to stand with ordinary Nigerians. This is commendable and should encourage others to speak up against corruption,” he said.
He added that Dangote had reportedly expressed willingness to cooperate with investigators if invited, urging authorities to take advantage of the opportunity to establish the facts.
I’d like to use this opportunity to welcome Comrade Aliko Dangote as the newest comrade to join in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
“Now that he has joined our ranks, we are optimistic that many will take the fight against corruption more seriously and deliberately.
“I hope Comrade Dangote will not stop here, but shall continue to join in the fight to expose more corrupt officials serving in government and public positions,” he added.
Frank insisted that if the NMDPRA CEO is innocent, they should resign and submit themselves to an investigation to clear their name.
“This issue must not be swept under the carpet. Accountability must prevail. Nigeria cannot afford silence or delay in the face of allegations of this magnitude,” he said.
