Political activist and international affairs leader, Comrade Timi Frank, has welcomed the resignation of Engr. Farouk Ahmed, former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), but insists that resignation alone cannot resolve the serious allegations hanging over the office.
“Stepping aside is not justice. It is only the beginning. What must follow is a thorough investigation and, where the facts demand it, arrest and prosecution,” Frank said in a statement issued in Abuja.
Frank, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), currently serves as ULMWP Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East and Senior Advisor to the Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA.
He urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to immediately commence a full-scale investigation into allegations made by Africa’s leading industrialist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, against the former regulator.
Frank expressed dismay that over 72 hours after the allegations became public, Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies have largely remained silent, with only the ICPC acknowledging receipt of a petition.
“The silence of agencies mandated to fight corruption is unacceptable and deeply disturbing. A country governed by law cannot afford this level of indifference to allegations of this magnitude,” he said.
He stressed that claims involving such enormous sums—particularly when raised by a globally respected businessman—require urgent, transparent handling, warning that inaction could further weaken public trust.
“If justice cannot be guaranteed in a case involving Aliko Dangote, then ordinary Nigerians have little reason to believe the system works for them,” Frank said.
He pointed to the reported sum of about $7 million, estimated at nearly ₦10 billion, describing it as outrageous in a nation burdened by poverty, inflation, and repeated industrial actions over relatively modest funding gaps.
“This is money that could transform entire communities, yet the country is routinely shut down by strikes over amounts far smaller than this,” he noted.
Frank also questioned how a public official allegedly earning about ₦50 million annually could finance such extravagant educational expenses for four children without raising serious red flags.
“What message does this send to parents who cannot afford even ₦100,000 in school fees?” he asked. “If public resources are being diverted for private luxury, then every Nigerian should be alarmed.”
He warned that unresolved allegations involving a critical regulatory agency could severely damage Nigeria’s credibility and discourage foreign investment.
“No serious investor commits funds to a country where corruption allegations against key regulators are ignored or quietly buried,” Frank said.
While acknowledging Engr. Ahmed’s stated willingness to cooperate with investigators, Frank insisted that words must now be matched with action.
“Now that he has stepped aside and claims readiness to submit to investigation, the anti-corruption agencies must move decisively, independently, and without fear or favour,” he said.
Frank also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure prompt action if the agencies continue to delay.
“A serious anti-corruption agenda is proven by action, not prolonged silence,” he added.
He concluded that Nigerians are watching closely and will not accept any attempt to sweep the matter under the carpet.
“This case must be resolved openly and conclusively. Only a transparent investigation and, where necessary, prosecution can restore confidence in our institutions and the fight against corruption,” Frank said.
Dangote Allegations: Farouk Ahmed’s Exit Insufficient, EFCC and ICPC Must Act
