NMDPRA House, Abuja
The Council for Culture Change and Ethical Transformation in Nigeria has called for an immediate independent investigation and comprehensive lifestyle audit of officials in the ministry of petroleum resources.
The call was made following allegations by Aliko Dangote against Farouk Ahmed, ex-chief executive officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Dangote, president of the Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), had accused Ahmed of corruption and economic sabotage in a paid newspaper advert published on December 16.
Subsequently, Ahmed resigned following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
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In a statement on Friday, the group called for an immediate independent probe by anti-corruption agencies into the allegations made by Dangote.
Nosa Osaikhuiwu, who spoke on behalf of the group, said the government should audit all public officials nationwide, adding that many appear to live beyond legitimate means.
“The seriousness of this allegation is sufficient to warrant immediate and thorough scrutiny by the appropriate authorities,” the statement reads.
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“In light of this development, we hereby call for an immediate, independent investigation into the allegations by relevant prosecuting and anti-corruption agencies.
“The suspension of the concerned official, where applicable, pending the outcome of investigations, in line with due process.
“A comprehensive lifestyle audit of officials within the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and its relevant departments, to determine the source of assets and expenditures inconsistent with lawful income.
“An expansion of lifestyle audits nationwide, covering all public officials — elected and unelected — as it is increasingly apparent that many individuals in both public and private sectors may be living beyond legitimate means at the expense of the Nigerian people.”
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