Activists who embarked on protests to demand the investigation of allegations against Engr. Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), have threatened to embark on a hunger strike if he is not removed from office.
The protesters, who have camped out at the office of the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, Independent Corrupt Practices Commissioner ICPC and Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, for nine days, are demanding an immediate investigation into allegations of corruption, abuse of power, and regulatory compromise against Ahmed.
The allegations against Ahmed include the diversion of over $5 million in public funds to pay for his children’s luxurious foreign education, abuse of office, and conflict of interest.
According to the protesters, Ahmed’s son was allegedly recruited into Oando PLC, a company under the regulatory jurisdiction of NMDPRA.
They alleged that the development raised concerns about undue influence and nepotism.
Speaking on Thursday, National President of the Concerned Young Professionals Network, Dan Okwa, who is among those leading the protests, vowed that the protesters would embark on hunger strike.
“We are not going to sit idly by while our resources are being looted by those in positions of authority. The allegations against Engr. Farouk Ahmed are serious and require immediate attention.
“We demand a thorough investigation into his activities and expect him to be held accountable for any wrongdoing.
“The Nigerian people deserve better than to be governed by officials who prioritize their personal interests over the welfare of the citizens.
“We will not rest until Engr. Ahmed is removed from office and brought to justice.
“We will embarked on a hunger strike to demand accountability and transparency in governance.
“The recent protests are a manifestation of the frustration and anger that Nigerians have towards the current state of affairs.
“We will continue to protest and demand action until our demands are met.
“We will not be silenced or intimidated into accepting the status quo. We demand a better Nigeria, and we will fight for it,”; Okwa said.
