Demonstrators have continued their daily sit-out at the Abuja offices of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), calling for an investigation into the claims made against Engr. Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The demonstrators are calling for an inquiry into claims that Ahmed embezzled more than $5 million in public monies to cover his kids’ opulent overseas education.
Additionally, they want the ICPC and CCB to look into Ahmed’s alleged nepotism and conflict of interest with his son Faisal’s position at Oando PLC, a business governed by the NMDPRA.
Ahmed’s leadership, according to the demonstrators, has been characterized by regulatory compromise, especially in the granting of permits for the importation of fuel with a high sulfur content.
They emphasized the product’s detrimental effects on the environment and general public’s health.
Olayemi Isaac, speaking for the demonstrators, stated that the claims ought to be looked into and Ahmed should face legal action if he is found to be at fault.
“The serious accusations made against Engr. Farouk Ahmed necessitate prompt action. We will not let him to misuse his position and compromise the NMDPRA’s credibility. The demonstrators will not give up until Engr. Farouk Ahmed is held accountable.
“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,” Olayemi said.
The demonstrators are calling for the creation of a special investigative team to look into all of Ahmed’s financial records right away.
They also want the commission to look into every permission that the NMDPRA leadership has given out.
They demand that, in light of the investigation’s conclusions, the proper measures be implemented.
About The Author
