Political activist and international affairs leader, Comrade Timi Frank, has welcomed the resignation of Engr. Farouk Ahmed as Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), but insists that stepping aside must not mark the end of the serious allegations hanging over him. In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, Frank said resignation alone does not amount to accountability, stressing that the matter must be thoroughly investigated and, if proven, prosecuted. “Resignation is not an admission of guilt. It is only the first step. What must follow is a full investigation and, where necessary, arrest and prosecution,” Frank said. The former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who now serves as ULMWP Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East and Senior Adviser to the Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA, called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to immediately take up the case. Frank expressed concern that more than 72 hours after Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, publicly raised the allegations, the anti-corruption agencies had largely remained silent, apart from the ICPC’s acknowledgement of receiving a petition. “More than 72 hours after these weighty allegations became 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 said. He warned that failure to act swiftly and transparently could further erode public trust in government institutions. “If someone of Aliko Dangote’s standing cannot get justice in a matter of this magnitude, then one must ask what hope ordinary Nigerians have,” Frank noted. Highlighting the seriousness of the claims, Frank pointed out that the alleged amount involved about $7 million, estimated at roughly N10 billion was enormous, especially at a time when the country is grappling with economic hardship. “This is enough money to transform entire communities, yet Nigeria is often paralysed by strikes over much smaller financial demands, especially in the education sector,” he said. Frank also questioned how a public official, reportedly earning about N50 million annually, could afford to spend such a huge sum on the secondary education of four children. “What example does that set in a country where many parents struggle to pay N100,000 in school fees?” he asked. “If public funds are being used to finance personal luxury, then every Nigerian should be worried.” He warned that leaving the allegations unresolved could damage Nigeria’s image and discourage foreign investment. “No serious investor will commit funds to a country where allegations of corruption involving a key regulator are ignored or left unresolved,” he said. Noting that Engr. Ahmed has reportedly expressed willingness to submit himself to investigation, Frank urged the EFCC and ICPC to act without delay. “Now that he has stepped aside and indicated readiness to cooperate, there should be no excuses. Investigations must be thorough, independent and free from political influence,” he added. Frank also called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene if the anti-graft agencies fail to act promptly. “A government that is serious about fighting corruption must prove it through action, not prolonged silence,” he said. He concluded by stressing that Nigerians are watching closely and will not allow the case to be swept under the carpet. “Only a transparent investigation and, if necessary, prosecution can restore public confidence in our institutions and in the fight against corruption,” he stated.
