Protesters demanding the investigation of allegations against Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, have maintained their daily sit-out at the Abuja offices of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The protesters are demanding the investigation of allegations that Ahmed diverted over $5 million in public funds to pay for his children’s luxurious foreign education.
They also want the ICPC and CCB to investigate Ahmed for alleged conflict of interest and nepotism over the employment of his son, Faisal, by Oando PLC, a company under the regulatory jurisdiction of the NMDPRA.
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.
They highlighted the harmful impact of the product to the environment and public health.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Olayemi Isaac said the allegations should be investigated, and Ahmed prosecuted if found culpable.
“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,” Olayemi said.
The protesters are demanding immediate establishment of a special investigative panel to examine all financial records linked to Ahmed.
They equally want the panel to investigate all permits granted by the NMDPRA leadership.
They insist that appropriate actions be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
