SEYVGG CALLS ON TINUBU TO TAKE URGENT ACTION ON THEIR DEMAND FOR IMMEDIATE SACK OF MR. FAROUK FOR ALLEGED GRAND, ADMINISTRATIVE CORRUPTION

Being the text of a press statement by South-East Youth Vanguard For Good Governance calling on President Bola Ahmed TINUBU to take urgent action on our demand for the immediate sack of Mr Farouk Ahmed (CEO of NMDPRA) for
alleged grand and administrative corruption in Awka on Sunday 28 July, 2024.

Dearest South-East Youths,
Gentlemen of the press and the general public.
The ongoing fuel scarcity across several states in Nigeria continues to impose severe hardships on ordinary citizens, exacerbating the already high cost of living. This crisis has raised serious questions about the transparency in the management of local oil production by the midstream and downstream petroleum regulation authorities which has led to a significant increase in the
cost of transportation, affecting the livelihoods of Nigerians, particularly those in low-income brackets.
Households, and small and medium enterprises alike are also facing higher running costs as a result of grand corruption allegedly perpetrated by the midstream and downstream sectors, making it increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens to meet their basic needs.

It is unacceptable that the so-called largest oil producer and exporter of the
continent has continued to grapple with fuel scarcity due to a combination of factors, including inadequate refinery capacity, continuous pipeline vandalism,
inadequate infrastructure, and grand and administrative corruption. These
challenges have persisted for decades, and one expects that the removal of fuel subsidies by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration will address the perennial crisis.
It is with severe rage in our hearts that we address you today on behalf of the good people of this country, particularly the unemployed, under-employed and suffering masses of our people. The open sabotage of local oil production in Nigeria by the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream
Petroleum Regulation Authority Mr Farouk Ahmed must not go unpunished.

Dealing with the malaise of corruption in the oil and gas sector may appear complex and intractable when the management lacks
transparency and accountability in managing the affairs of all oil business activities in Nigeria (from the seismic survey, development, production, transportation, refining, marketing, etc).

No wonder, recent revelation shows that there is an abuse of administrative
office to extract illegal benefits in exchange for approval covering a wide range
of commercial and operational activities. Also, the direct theft of massive amounts of money through the diversion of production; products, or revenues allegedly perpetrated by Mr Farouk Ahmed is largely responsible for the stunted economic growth of the country, and for the mass poverty that reigns
in the country. It is therefore suggested that Mr. Farouk Ahmed and all culprits in any form in the midstream and downstream petroleum regulation authority should immediately be investigated, dismissed and if found guilty imprisoned as this will serve as a deterrent to others and the issue of “Plea Bargain” should not be allowed or permitted in any form.
You can imagine the criminal and immoral audacity with which this man
attacked the globally celebrated efforts of the Dangote Group in building one of the best refineries in the world. He shamefully could not contain his averseness and unpatriotic opposition to an era of local refining. He saw the compelling
need and therefore shamefully took it upon himself to de-market the products of Dangote Refinery.

South-East Youth Vanguard For Good Governance and Indeed Nigerians of
goodwill is for once united against the CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and we demand that he must be investigated and dismissed, if not, the proposed national protests which some of us have been working so hard to stop may start from there. We cannot be a country in which an open evil will triumph over good.
What no one ever imagined was that the Managing Director and Chief
Executive Officer of the Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory
Authority would become the practical leader and face of this group. Nigerians must act decisively to dismantle this influence or risk remaining subjugated

indefinitely. We are leading this struggle on behalf of the South-East Youths, who are the most directly endangered by this sinister enterprise.
The NMDPRA has demonstrated its disdain for the establishment of local oil production. In doing so, it has overstepped its regulatory bounds, going as far as to undermine the products of our own indigenous Dangote Refinery. This is a blatant act of national economic sabotage that must be defeated. And this is why his immediate dismissal and investigation have become inevitable. We therefore call on Mr President to take urgent action now.
While addressing the negative impact of certain individuals and cartels, it is
crucial to also highlight and celebrate the positive contributions that
Indigenous transformative projects can bring to our nation. The Dangote
The group, under the visionary leadership of Aliko Dangote, has continually set
benchmarks for economic and industrial growth in Nigeria and Africa. With diversified interests spanning cement, sugar, salt, and pasta production, the Group has significantly contributed to job creation, infrastructure development, and national revenue generation. Among its most ambitious
projects is the Dangote Refinery, which stands as an embodiment of hope for Nigeria’s energy sector and economic sovereignty and Self-Sufficiency.
The Dangote Refinery is poised to transform Nigeria from a net importer to a net exporter of refined petroleum products. This shift will drastically reduce the nation’s dependency on imported fuels, saving billions of dollars annually in foreign exchange. By harnessing local crude oil resources, the refinery will ensure a stable and self-sufficient energy supply, thereby strengthening national security and economic resilience.

The construction and operation of the Dangote Refinery have already created thousands of jobs for Nigerian engineers, technicians, and labourers. As the refinery becomes fully operational, it will generate even more employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly, across the entire value chain. This massive job creation will alleviate unemployment and foster skill development
among the youth, thereby uplifting communities and enhancing the overall standard of living.
Economic Diversification and Industrial Growth.
The refinery will serve as a stimulus for industrialisation and economic
diversification. By providing a steady and affordable supply of refined
petroleum products, it will support the growth of various industries, including

petrochemicals, plastics, textiles, and manufacturing. This diversification will reduce the economy’s vulnerability to oil price shocks and create a more balanced and resilient economic structure.
Furthermore, the success of the Dangote Refinery is a demonstration of
Nigeria’s potential as a viable investment destination. It will inspire confidence among foreign investors and multinationals, attracting additional foreign direct investments into the country. This influx of capital will spur further economic development, modernize infrastructure, and improve the overall investment climate.
By refining petroleum products locally also, Nigeria can ensure a more reliable and secure energy supply, reducing the risks associated with global supply chain disruptions. In addition, the Dangote Refinery’s state-of-the-art technology is designed to meet stringent environmental standards, minimizing emissions and contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable energy sector.

We therefore call on President Bola Tinubu to as a matter of urgency dismiss Mr. Farouk Ahmed MD/CEO NMDPRA over this alleged corruption in other to remove his malignant influence on our economy. As we await Mr President’s urgent response, we urge South-East youths and Nigerian youths at large to be on alert and remain resilient.
If you close your eyes to the facts, you will learn through accidents… African proverb.
Dare to struggle!
Dare to win!!
Thank you so much for your time and may God continue to bless Nigeria.
Signed:

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Comrade Chuks Obele Favour Comrade Minister Udochukwu
National Coordinator, National Secretary General,
Southeast Youth Vanguard Southeast Youth Vanguard
For Good Governance. For Good Governance.