₦airaland Forum

Over 50 CSOs Clear NMDPRA Boss Farouk Ahmed of Corruption Allegations

...Accuse Dangote of undermining regulatory independence

Over fifty Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Monday rose in strong defence of the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr Farouk Ahmed, unanimously dismissing allegations of corruption levelled against him by Mr Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, as false, unfounded and unsupported by evidence.

The CSOs made their position known at a joint press conference in Abuja, where they described the allegations as a calculated attempt to discredit the leadership of the NMDPRA over its firm stance against monopolistic practices in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sector.

Addressing journalists on behalf of the coalition, the Convener, Comrade Ibrahim Bello, who is also the National Coordinator of the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CFTPI), said the organisations had conducted internal reviews and assessments and found no basis whatsoever for the claims of corruption against the NMDPRA boss.

“Our findings clearly show that Mr Farouk Ahmed has not engaged in any corrupt practice. Rather, he has been repositioning the downstream sector to promote fairness, competition and efficiency, while ensuring that no single entity monopolises the industry to the detriment of Nigerians,” Bello stated.

He added that the leadership of the NMDPRA under Ahmed has remained faithful to the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), strengthening regulatory transparency and creating opportunities for more investors to participate in the sector.

The coalition specifically debunked claims attributed to Mr Dangote that the NMDPRA CEO allegedly paid five million United States dollars ($5 million) as school fees for his children in Switzerland, stressing that no proof or verifiable evidence had been provided to substantiate such assertions.

According to the CSOs, making such grave allegations in the media without recourse to due process poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s regulatory institutions and reform agenda.

Prominent members of the coalition who endorsed the position include Hajiya Fatima Sani, Executive Director of Citizens Watch for Good Governance (CWGG); Barrister Chukwudi Eze, Chairman of the Accountability and Democratic Values Initiative (ADVI); Dr Mrs Ngozi Okeke, President of the Nigerian Coalition Against Corruption and Waste (NCACW); and Pastor Emmanuel Adebayo, General Secretary of the Voice of Conscience Foundation (VOCF).

Others are Mr Tunde Ogunleye, National Convener of the Integrity Monitors Network (IMN); Ms Chioma Nwosu, Chairperson of Patriots for Transparent Procurement (PTP); Comrade Aisha Yusuf, National Secretary of the Civil Liberties and Anti-Corruption Movement (CLACOM); and Engr. Musa Abdullahi, Director of Programmes at the Due Process Advocacy Network (DPAN).

Also lending their voices were Prof. Grace Adeyemi, Board Chair of the National Alliance for Ethical Leadership (NAEL); Mr Segun Olawale, Spokesperson for the Citizens Coalition for Open Governance (CCOG); Barr. (Mrs.) Funmi Adewole, Legal Adviser to the Justice and Accountability Project (JAP); and Alhaji Usman Danladi, Northern Coordinator of the Nigerian Integrity and Development Forum (NIDF).

Regional leaders present included Rev. Fr. Joseph Okon, South-South Zonal Chairman of the Public Funds Protection Movement (PFPM); Ms Bolanle Adeoti, Women Leader of Transparency and Responsibility Advocates (TRA); Elder Peter Okonkwo, South-East Coordinator of the Good Governance Monitors Assembly (GGMA); and Mallam Bello Yakubu, North-West Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Crusaders Network (ACCN), alongside representatives of several other organisations.

The CSOs argued that the sustained attacks on the NMDPRA leadership stem from its refusal to compromise regulatory standards or allow any company to dominate the petroleum downstream space.

“We believe these allegations are aimed at intimidating the regulator because of its insistence on fairness, competition and value for Nigerians,” the coalition said.

While reaffirming their commitment to transparency and accountability, the organisations urged individuals and corporate entities with genuine grievances to follow due process, rather than resorting to media trials.

They called on Nigerians to disregard the unproven allegations, urged stakeholders in the petroleum sector to respect regulatory institutions, and appealed to the Federal Government to continue supporting the independence and reform-driven leadership of the NMDPRA.

The coalition concluded by reaffirming its full confidence in Mr Farouk Ahmed, describing him as a regulator whose actions have strengthened credibility, boosted stakeholder confidence and safeguarded the national interest in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum industry.

where do they manufacture these CSOs

Are his children schooling in Switzerland?
If yes, How much is their school fees?

How can someone who has worked for the government all his life be able to pay $5m as school fees?

where/how did he get such money from?

When did these CSO's take over the duties of the police, ICPC and EFCC ? We joke too much in this country

nnatobryno:
where do they manufacture these CSOs

Are his children school in Switzerland?
If yes, How much is their school fees?

How can someone who has worked for the government all his life be able to pay $5m as school fees?

where/how did he get such money from?

If Dangote have any damming evidence, he should consult EFCC for proper investigation. We are tired of allegations and rabble rouser

FOLYKAZE:
If Dangote have any damming evidence, he should consult EFCC for proper investigation. We are tired of allegations and rabble rouser

typical of una upside down logic. Dangote has made damning allegations with his full chest, common sense dictates that Farouk clears his name by taking Dangote to court for defamation of character and malicious slander. By now, Farouk should have stepped aside from office so that official investigations can take place but this is Nigeria

MASTAkiLLAh:
typical of una upside down logic. Dangote has made damning allegations with his full chest, common sense dictates that Farouk clears his name by taking Dangote to court for defamation of character and malicious slander. By now, Farouk should have stepped aside from office so that official investigations can take place but this is Nigeria

The onus of proof is with the accuser. That is what logic and law says.

You want Farouk to resign because Dangote said this or that? Is he now EFCC or ICPC or CBB official? If he has any evidence he should submit it to the appropriate table rather than making unnecessary noise in the media

FOLYKAZE:
The onus of proof is with the accuser. That is what logic and law says.

You want Farouk to resign because Dangote said this or that? Is he now EFCC or ICPC or CBB official? If he has any evidence he should submit it to the appropriate table rather than making unnecessary noise in the media

when did "stepped aside" or to step aside mean resignation ? Comprehension is a real problem in Nigeria. Anyways, your understanding of logic and law is seriously flawed making any conversation with you a pathetic waste of time

MASTAkiLLAh:
when did "stepped aside" or to step aside mean resignation ? Comprehension is a real problem in Nigeria. Anyways, your understanding of logic and law is seriously flawed making any conversation with you a pathetic waste of time

Swerve..

A billionaire slander you in the public and you did not go to court and sue him. It is an admission of guilt.

FOLYKAZE:
If Dangote have any damming evidence, he should consult EFCC for proper investigation. We are tired of allegations and rabble rouser

He has done that. Mtchew!!!