A political activist and international affairs leader, Comrade Timi Frank has hailed the resignation of Engr. Farouk Ahmed, former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) but insisted that stepping aside shouldn’t bring closure to the allegation of corruption against him.
Recall that Farouk resigned on Wednesday as the CEO of NMDPRA and President Bola Tinubu has also named his replacement.
“Resignation isn’t an admission of guilt, it’s only the first step. What must follow is a full investigation and, where necessary, arrest and prosecution,” 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, said in a press statement in Abuja on Thursday.
He called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to immediately investigate and prosecute Engr. Ahmed over allegations raised by Africa’s foremost industrialist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
Frank expressed concern that more than 72 hours after the allegations were made public, the relevant agencies had remained largely silent, apart from the ICPC which only acknowledged receipt of a petition.
“More than 72 hours after these weighty allegations were made public, the silence of our anti-corruption agencies is deeply troubling and unacceptable in a country that claims to operate under the rule of law,” Frank said.
He argued that allegations of such magnitude, especially when raised by a figure of Dangote’s standing, deserved swift and transparent action, warning that the continued silence could further erode public confidence in public institutions.
“If Aliko Dangote cannot get justice in a matter of this nature, then one must ask what hope is left for ordinary Nigerians,” he said.
He drew attention to the gravity of the allegations, noting that the amount reportedly involved, about $7 million, estimated at roughly N10 billion, was significant in a country facing widespread economic hardship.
“This amount is more than enough to fund entire communities, yet Nigeria is constantly on strike over the inability of the government to meet relatively small financial demands in the education sector,” Frank said.
He questioned how a public servant, allegedly earning about N50 million annually, could spend such a huge sum on the secondary school education of four children.
“What example is a public servant setting in a country where millions of parents cannot afford N100,000 in school fees?” he queried. “If public funds are indeed being used to fund personal excesses, then this must concern every Nigerian.”
Frank also warned that the unresolved allegations could affect Nigeria’s image and investor confidence.
“No serious investor will put money in a country where allegations of corruption involving a key regulator are left hanging without resolution,” he said.
He noted Engr. Ahmed expressed willingness to submit himself to investigation, urging the anti-corruption agencies to act without delay.
“Now that he has stepped aside and indicated willingness to cooperate, there should be no delay. The agencies must act fully, independently and without fear or favour,” Frank said.
He further called on President Tinubu to intervene if the agencies fail to act promptly.
“A government that is serious about fighting corruption must show it through action, not prolonged silence,” he said.
Frank added that Nigerians deserved clarity and accountability, stressing that the case shouldn’t be swept under the carpet.
“This is one case Nigerians won’t allow to be buried. Only transparent investigation and prosecution can restore confidence in our institutions and in the fight against corruption,” he said.
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