ABUJA — Political activist and international affairs leader, Comrade Timi Frank, has called on anti-graft agencies to investigate and prosecute the immediate past Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, following corruption allegations raised by billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote.
Frank, in a statement on Thursday, welcomed Ahmed’s resignation but insisted that stepping aside “should not bring closure to the matter.”
The activist, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, stressed that resignation is not an admission of guilt, but “only the first step.”
“What must follow is a full investigation and, where necessary, arrest and prosecution,” he declared.
Frank expressed concern that more than 72 hours after Dangote’s allegations became public, anti-corruption bodies—except for the ICPC’s acknowledgment of a petition—have remained largely silent.
“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,” he stated.
He warned that the continued silence could further erode public confidence in institutions, especially given Dangote’s stature.
“If Aliko Dangote cannot get justice in a matter of this nature, then one must ask what hope is left for ordinary Nigerians,” Frank added.
The activist highlighted the gravity of the accusations, noting that the alleged sum—approximately $7 million (about ₦10 billion)—was staggering amid widespread economic hardship in Nigeria.
“This amount is more than enough to fund entire communities, yet Nigeria is constantly on strike over the inability of government to meet relatively small financial demands in the education sector,” he said.
Frank questioned how a public servant reportedly earning about ₦50 million annually could spend such an amount on the secondary education of four children.
“What example is a public servant setting in a country where millions of parents cannot afford ₦100,000 in school fees?” he asked.
He also cautioned that unresolved allegations could damage 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.
Noting Ahmed’s expressed willingness to submit to investigation, Frank urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the ICPC 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,” he asserted.
Frank further called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene should the agencies fail to act promptly.
“A government that is serious about fighting corruption must show it through action, not prolonged silence,” he emphasized.
He assured that Nigerians would not allow the case to be swept under the carpet.
“This is one case Nigerians will not allow to be buried. Only transparent investigation and prosecution can restore confidence in our institutions and in the fight against corruption,” Frank concluded.
