A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately suspend the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, following allegations of corruption raised by President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
Frank made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday, describing the allegations as “alarming and deeply disturbing” and stressed that they raise serious questions about accountability and integrity in public office.
He noted that the allegation, which suggests that about $5m was spent on the secondary education of the NMDPRA boss’ children in Switzerland, was too grave to be ignored and should immediately trigger a thorough investigation by relevant anti-corruption agencies.
According to Frank, the credibility of the source makes the allegation particularly weighty.
“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,” he said.
Frank urged President Tinubu to publicly address the issue, warning that continued silence could undermine public confidence in the administration’s anti-corruption stance.
“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 stated.
He also called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to commence an immediate probe, insisting that no public official should be shielded from scrutiny.
Frank further referenced the ongoing prosecution of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, arguing that allegations bordering on the alleged use of public funds for private school fees demand equal seriousness from law enforcement agencies.
He observed that the allegation comes at a time when many Nigerians are facing severe economic hardship, describing it as morally troubling for any government official to be linked with claims of 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 trust in government institutions, discourage potential investors already wary of corruption risks in Nigeria, and reinforce negative international perceptions of the country.
Frank, who currently serves as ULMWP Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East and Senior Advisor to the Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA, commended Dangote for speaking out, and described his action as patriotic and courageous.
“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.
Frank welcomed Dangote into what he described as the broader fight against corruption in Nigeria, and express optimism that the intervention would inspire more citizens to speak out.
Frank also maintained that if the NMDPRA CEO is innocent, he should voluntarily step aside and submit himself for 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 added.
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