By Ogochukwu Isioma
Protesters have maintained their daily sit-out at the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) offices for the eighth day, demanding the immediate sack and prosecution of Engr. Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The protesters allege that Ahmed diverted over $5 million in public funds to pay for his children’s luxurious foreign education.
His son, Faisal, was also allegedly recruited into Oando PLC, a company under the regulatory jurisdiction of NMDPRA, raising concerns about undue influence and nepotism.
The protesters are also concerned about Ahmed’s leadership, which they claim has been marked by regulatory compromise, particularly in the issuance of permits for the importation of diesel with high sulphur content, harmful to the environment and public health.
Dr. Emmanuel Agibi and Olayemi Isaac, convener of the protest, expressed their concerns about the allegations, stating, “The allegations against Engr. Farouk Ahmed are serious and demand immediate action.
“We won’t let him continue to abuse his office and undermine the integrity of the NMDPRA. The protesters won’t back down until Engr. Farouk Ahmed is brought to justice.
“We’ll continue to occupy the CCB and ICPC offices until our demands are met.”
“The stench of corruption from the NMDPRA is unbearable. If the Attorney General, ICPC, or CCB refuses to act, then they are complicit in the cover-up of a scandal that disgraces every law-abiding Nigerian.”
“The allegations point to a collapse of accountability in public governance. If the Petroleum Industry Act is to mean anything, those enforcing it must be held to the highest standards.”
The protesters demand that the authorities initiate a thorough investigation into the allegations against Ahmed, set up a special investigative panel to examine all financial records linked to Ahmed and his family, investigate all permits granted under his leadership, and take appropriate actions based on the findings of the investigation.
