Group Faults Protest against NMDPRA CEO

A rights group, Empowerment for Unemployment Youth Initiative (EUYI) has faulted the planned protest against the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, describing it as sponsored shenanigans taken too far and an unnecessary distraction. EUYI at a press conference in Abuja onTuesday and anchored by it’s Secretary, […]

A rights group, Empowerment for Unemployment Youth Initiative (EUYI) has faulted the planned protest against the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, describing it as sponsored shenanigans taken too far and an unnecessary distraction.

EUYI at a press conference in Abuja onTuesday and anchored by it’s Secretary, Comrade Igwe Ude-umanta, and Co-convener, Civil Society Roundtable Engagement, frowned at what it described as deliberate falsehood, witch-hunt and blackmail of highly placed Nigerians by faceless groups under the pretence of civil rights.

The text read in part, “under no circumstances should the civil society space be allowed to be hijacked by a few unscrupulous elements. While we labour to lend our voices to national discourse and serve as watchdogs of our society, there are a few bad eggs who are out there, using our hard earned name and reputation to tarnish impeccable personalities.

“Recall that, 5 days ago, there was a Civil Society Roundtable Engagement which was convened by the leadership of the Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative (EUYI), with 32 Civil Society Groups as participants, with the aim of appraising and reviewing developments in the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) under the leadership of Engr. Farouk Ahmed.

“At the end of that Engagement, far reaching decisions and resolutions were made, which are contained in the Communiqué made available to the Press during the session for media interaction. While giving NMDPRA and its leadership a high approval rating, we equally issued advise and suggestions on how things can be even better improved.

“These are the kind of engagements that responsible Civil Society Groups should be involved in. Of course, it is a great thing to expose corruption where they truly exist, we also do that when there is substantial evidence. However, we are against witch-hunting and blackmail.

“However, in defiance to the norms of civil society advocacy, a group of unidentified persons, operating under the spurious banner of a yet to be identified Civil Society Organisation, staged a show yesterday at the Office of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation, claiming that Engr. Farouk Ahmed’s children are studying abroad, and for that reason he is corrupt; should resign and should be investigated.

“This is the most irresponsible allegation and position that any Civil Society Group can take. It is pure witch-hunt and clear blackmail.

“Assuming without conceding that the allegations are true, which Nigerian public servant who can afford it does not have their children in ivy league schools abroad? Why has that of Engr. Ahmed’s children become an issue, if not that there is a sponsor who is out to blackmail and embarrass him at all costs?

“The allegation about him embezzling $5 million is just a mendacious claim added to the baseless issue of his children’s school allegations, to make the charade somewhat newsworthy. We are certain that it was the reason many credible media organisations threw their claims into the trash where they really belong.

“The original purveyors of this laughable allegation had already recanted, apologised and admitted that they were grossly misinformed. So, these attention seekers are probably hoping that through blackmail, Engr. Ahmed could feel embarrassed and reach out for rapprochement. We advise him to remain focused on his job. We have no doubt that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is very impressed with his performance, and most Nigerians are satisfied with his delivery.

“While there is always room for improvement even in best case scenarios as already agreed at our Roundtable Engagement, NMDPRA under Engr. Farouk Ahmed is efficient, playing its role in the national economy, delivering results and is not, as at today, involved in any official malfeasance.

“Therefore, these rag tag groups should desist from these acts of tactical defamation in the name of Civil Society activism and focus on noble objectives that will uplift our national life, enthrone peace and unity in our country”.

EUYI concluded by urging Engr. Ahmed “to assert his right to defend himself from defamation and libellous activities, insisting that anybody who accuses him of embezzlement come forward with evidence or be arrested and charged appropriately to serve as deterrence to others”.