Political activist and international affairs leader, Comrade Timi Frank, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately suspend the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, over corruption allegations raised by President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
Frank said the allegation, which he described as grave and disturbing, raises serious questions about accountability and integrity in public office and must not be ignored by the Federal Government.
The former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who currently serves as ULMWP Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East and Senior Adviser to the Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA, made the call in a statement on Tuesday.
He said the claim that about $5 million was allegedly spent on the secondary education of the NMDPRA boss’ children in Switzerland was weighty enough to warrant an immediate probe by relevant 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 called on President Tinubu to break his silence on the issue, warning that inaction could cast doubts on the administration’s anti-corruption posture.
“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 very dangerous signal to Nigerians,” he said.
Frank also urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to commence an immediate investigation, insisting that no public official should be immune 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,” he stated.
According to him, the allegation comes at a time Nigerians are grappling with severe economic hardship, making it morally troubling for any public officer to be linked with alleged 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 said.
He warned that failure to investigate the matter could further erode public confidence in government institutions, discourage investors wary of corruption risks and reinforce negative global perceptions about the country.
Frank commended Dangote for speaking out, describing his action as patriotic and in the national interest.
“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 seize the opportunity to establish the facts.
“I’ll 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 maintained that if the NMDPRA chief is innocent, he should step aside and submit himself to investigation to clear his 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.
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