From Adeko Ukpa, Abuja

Political activist and international affairs leader, Comrade Timi Frank has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately suspend the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, following corruption allegations raised by President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

Frank, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and currently ULMWP Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East as well as Senior Advisor to the Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA, in a statement on Tuesday, described the claim as “alarming and deeply disturbing,” stressing that it raises fundamental questions about accountability and integrity in public office.

He said the allegation, which suggests that about $5 million was spent on the secondary education of the NMDPRA boss’ children in Switzerland, was too serious to be ignored and must trigger an urgent investigation by anti-corruption agencies.

“Coming from Aliko Dangote, the richest man in Africa and a globally respected businessman, this allegation cannot be dismissed. It is weighty and should be treated with the seriousness it deserves,” Frank said.

He urged President Tinubu to break his silence on the matter, warning that failure to act decisively would cast doubt on the administration’s commitment to fighting corruption.

“The President must act immediately by suspending the NMDPRA CEO and ordering a transparent and independent investigation. Continued silence on this issue is unacceptable and sends a very dangerous signal to Nigerians,” he said.

Frank also called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to commence an immediate probe, insisting that no public official should be shielded from scrutiny.

“Even though EFCC is handling former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello’s prosecution over alleged corruption with kid gloves, the fact remains that the issue at stake borders on payment of school fees for children allegedly using state funds.

According to him, the allegation comes at a time of severe economic hardship, making it morally troubling for any government appointee to be linked with extravagant personal spending.

“Nigerians are hungry and struggling to survive, yet we are confronted with allegations of obscene luxury by public officials. This is the same pattern we have seen in previous high-profile corruption cases,” Frank stated.

He warned that failure to investigate the matter could further erode public trust in government institutions and discourage investors already wary of corruption risks in Nigeria and further lend credence to President Donald Trump’s tag of ‘disgraced country.’

Frank commended Dangote for speaking out, describing his action as an act of patriotism and civic responsibility.

“He had no obligation to raise this issue, but he chose to stand with ordinary Nigerians. This is commendable and should encourage others to speak up against corruption,” he said.

He added that Dangote had reportedly expressed willingness to cooperate with investigators if invited, urging authorities to take advantage of the opportunity to establish the facts.

“I’ll like to use this opportunity to welcome Comrade Aliko Dangote as the newest comrade to join in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

“Now that he has joined our ranks, we are optimistic that many will take the fight against corruption more seriously and deliberately.

“I hope Comrade Dangote will not stop here, but shall continue to join in the fight to expose more corrupt officials serving in government and public positions,” he added.

Frank insisted that if the NMDPRA CEO is innocent, he should resign and submit himself to investigation to clear his name.

“This issue must not be swept under the carpet. Accountability must prevail. Nigeria cannot afford silence or delay in the face of allegations of this magnitude,” he said.

From Adeko Ukpa, Abuja

Barely two months to the end of his tenure, Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), is reportedly intensifying efforts to secure a second five-year term as pressure mounts from at least five contenders eyeing his position.

Marwa, 72, was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari on January 17, 2021, and has since led a renewed campaign against drug trafficking and abuse across the country.

However, multiple security sources confirmed that internal lobbying has begun within the Presidency and security circles over who will lead the NDLEA next.

“Marwa’s tenure will end in about two months, and stakeholders are divided on whether he should get a second term,” a senior security official told The PUNCH.

“At least five people, including retired military and police officers, lawyers, and former security chiefs, are showing interest. They argue that his age and the President’s reform agenda justify a change.”

Reform Agenda and Resistance

Some officials believe President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing reforms in the justice sector may influence the decision.

Sources said the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), is driving a restructuring plan that could affect the NDLEA’s leadership.

“Among agencies in the justice sector, only the NDLEA has not undergone restructuring,” another insider said, adding that Tinubu’s administration is prioritising efficiency, human rights, and accountability across law enforcement bodies.

Critics of Marwa within government circles have reportedly suggested that he be reassigned to an ambassadorial role. They cited age, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and slow prosecution rates as key concerns.

“Despite his high-profile arrests, the NDLEA bureaucracy remains sluggish. He is seen as a lone ranger who has done well but needs stronger institutional support,” a senior agency source said.

Marwa’s Record and Defence

Under Marwa’s leadership, the NDLEA reportedly arrested 31,675 drug suspects and secured 5,147 convictions between 2021 and 2024.

The agency also seized more than 6,000 tonnes of illicit substances, including cocaine, tramadol, and methamphetamine, and dismantled several drug cartels operating in Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Edo, and Rivers states.

A 2022 raid in Ikorodu, Lagos, led to the discovery of a 1.8-tonne cocaine warehouse, one of the largest seizures in Nigeria’s history.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) later commended the NDLEA for its enhanced enforcement drive under Marwa’s watch.

But some experts believe the agency has focused too much on small-scale offenders.

Retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Wilson Inalegwu, said: “We need to go after the producers and distributors, not just the street vendors. Until we tackle the drug barons, we’re merely scratching the surface.”

He also called for stronger advocacy campaigns to prevent youth involvement in drug abuse and trafficking.

Presidency Connection and Lobby Efforts

Marwa’s recent visit to the Presidential Villa was seen by insiders as part of a wider lobbying effort to retain his position.

“He believes his long-standing relationship with President Tinubu, dating back to 1999 when he handed over to Tinubu as Lagos governor, could work in his favour,” one government source disclosed.

As the clock winds down on his first term, the NDLEA chief faces a delicate balancing act, defending his record while navigating a growing power tussle over the leadership of one of Nigeria’s most strategic security agencies.

Credit: The Punch

Adeko Ukpa, Abuja

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately sack the nation’s security chiefs following the unabated killings of Nigerians across the country.

Frank, in a statement in Abuja, in reaction to the fresh killing of soldiers in Borno state by suspected Boko Haram insurgents, expressed deep concern over the rising wave of insecurity, banditry, and kidnappings, describing the situation as a national tragedy that requires urgent executive action.

According to Frank, Nigerians are being killed “like chickens” daily across the North, South, East, and West, a clear indication that the country’s security architecture has collapsed under the current leadership.

“Our soldiers and policemen are dying in large numbers due to poor funding and lack of proper equipment. Despite massive budgetary allocations to the security sector, the funds do not reach the men and women on the front lines, nor are they used to purchase the right equipment needed to combat insecurity,” the statement read.

Frank stated that the continuous killings have attracted international attention and commended U.S. President Donald Trump and Senator Ted Cruz, for their advocacy on behalf of Nigerians, especially their condemnation of the incessant killing of Nigerians in parts of the country.

“We commend President Donald Trump for his concern and moral courage in speaking against the killings of Nigerians. We equally commend Senator Ted Cruz for lending his voice to these injustices. Their actions have helped to break the silence of our political class, especially those in the ruling party,” the statement added.

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, also urged the United States government, under the leadership of President Trump and other international partners, to intensify pressure on the Nigerian government to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“This administration cannot continue to negotiate with terrorists while detaining innocent and peaceful Nigerians. We therefore call on the international community, especially the U.S. government, to intervene and pressurise President Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu immediately,” he said.

Thumps Up for Trump, Senator Ted Cruz

The statement further commended President Trump for his leadership in facilitating negotiations for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza, urging him to “show the same compassion and leadership” by lending his voice to the call for Nnamdi Kanu’s release.

He also lauded activist Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), for boldly leading the call for Kanu’s unconditional release from detention.

Nigeria’s Bilateral Relations with U.S.

On Nigeria–U.S. relations, Frank emphasised the importance of preserving the historic friendship between both nations.

“Nigeria has always maintained a cordial relationship with the United States. We will not allow any government or individuals to destroy that friendship. As Nigerians, we remain committed to strengthening our ties with the U.S. in the interest of peace, democracy, and global security,” he said.

Scores Nigerian Senate  Low

He lambasted the Nigerian Senate for criticising Ted Cruz over his comments about killing of innocent Nigerians describing them a as a “disgrace and disappointment.”

“If the Senate and by extension the National Assembly had faithfully and diligently carried out their constitutional mandate of oversight and representation in checkmating executive recklessness like the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu and getting the security chiefs to act in protecting the lives and property of Nigerians, Senator Ted Cruz would not have picked on Nigeria as a good example of unwarranted attacks,
killings and intimidation of innocent citizens by deadly gangs.

“Look at how they took their time to respond to Senator Ted Cruz’s comments, while they failed over the years to stand for justice by calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu or to ensure through their oversight powers that the security chiefs live up to their mandate to protect defenceless Nigerians from horrific attacks and killings,” he said.

END