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

Abuja, Nigeria — Political activist and international affairs leader, Comrade Timi Frank, has issued a stern warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over reported actions that point to the politicisation of the Nigerian Army, cautioning that any breach of military tradition, hierarchy and professional standards poses a grave danger to Nigeria’s democracy and national stability.

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, described reports of a special and accelerated promotion of President Tinubu’s Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the rank of Brigadier-General, barely months after elevation to Colonel, as deeply troubling and unacceptable if proven true.

“The Nigerian Army is not a personal guard unit of any President. It is a national institution governed by time-tested rules, traditions and professional standards.

Senior military ranks, especially the rank of General, are earned through years of service, sacrifice, command experience, rigorous training and competitive assessments.
They are not political rewards,” Frank said.

He stressed that promotions outside established procedures send a dangerous and demoralising signal to career officers who have devoted decades to service under strict institutional discipline.

According to him, such actions weaken command authority, erode morale and damage cohesion within the ranks and file.

Frank warned that history, particularly Africa’s recent history, has shown that the politicisation and personalisation of military institutions inevitably breed resentment, frustration and indiscipline, conditions that have often preceded military breakdowns and unconstitutional interruptions of democratic rule.

“Across West Africa today, we are witnessing the consequences of weakened civil-military relations,” he said. “From Mali to Burkina Faso and Niger, military juntas emerged in environments where institutions were abused, traditions disregarded and professionalism undermined.

“Even in those countries, the leaders of military regimes exercised restraint in matters of rank, mindful of the sensitivity of military hierarchy and the backlash that follows its abuse.”

He noted that it is alien to Nigeria’s democratic practice, and unheard of even during periods of military rule, to assign or manipulate the rank of General for aides-de-camp or personal convenience.

“No former military Head of State and no civilian President in Nigeria treated the rank of General with such recklessness,” he added.

Frank rejected any justification based on constitutional authority, insisting that being Commander-in-Chief demands restraint, not arbitrariness.

“Being Commander-In-Chief is not a license to erode institutions. Democracy survives on accountability, due process and respect for established norms,” he said.

He further cautioned that exposing an officer to irregular promotion places that officer at professional risk and invites institutional backlash, while dragging the Armed Forces into political controversy.

He urged the Minister of Defence to urgently advise the President on the far-reaching implications of any decision that undermines military tradition, morale and Nigeria’s international standing.

“This does not stand in isolation,” Frank said. “It fits a troubling pattern of preferential treatment for presidential aides within the security services, raising legitimate fears about the personalisation of state power and the erosion of institutional independence.”

Frank called for: Immediate public clarification of the legal and professional basis for the reported promotion; suspension or reversal of any action that violates Nigerian Army guidelines; and a firm commitment by the Presidency to end personalised promotions and the abuse of military ranks.

He also urged civil society organisations, retired military officers and professional associations to speak out, warning that silence in the face of institutional abuse carries severe consequences for civil-military relations.

“Nigeria’s democracy has already witnessed the weakening of several institutions. The Armed Forces must not be dragged down the same path.

“Undermining military tradition fuels frustration within the ranks and file and dangerously incentivises coup plotting as a means to truncate democracy. This is a red line Nigeria must never cross,” he said.

Frank insisted that the Nigerian Armed Forces must remain professional, apolitical and governed by established rules and not personal discretion.

From Adeko Ukpa, Abuja

A new chapter in child development advocacy began in Abuja on Thursday, with the official launch of the “My Child’s Psyche Initiative (MCPI),” a foundation committed to transforming the emotional and psychological wellbeing of Nigerian children.

The Initiative aims to promote emotional intelligence, psychological resilience, and holistic growth for the nation’s young generation.

The launch featured the maiden Ultimate Caregiver Enlightenment Symposium & Book Presentation, themed “United in Care: Guiding Hearts, Growing Minds.”

The event drew parents, teachers, and caregivers determined to raise emotionally balanced and resilient children in today’s increasingly complex world.

L-R Hajiya Khadijah Mohammed Isa, Wife of Former Minister of Communications, Mrs Justina Ihenacho, Child’s Righy Advocate, Mrs Ruqayya Tofa-Basheer, Founder Ummi Africa, Dr. Maryam Tukur-Shagaya, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Mrs Eni Ogon, Founder, Broadoaks British School, Hajiya Hadiza Yusuf, SA, Welfare and Community Engagement, North Central Development Commission.

Speaking at the event, Madam Chyna Clifford, child development advocate, children’s book illustrator, and founder of MCPI, said the Initiative was inspired by the need to understand the inner world of children, a world often filled with wonder, dreams, anxieties, and untapped potential. She noted that societal pressures frequently drown out children’s emotions, leaving questions unanswered and feelings overlooked.

According to her, this year’s symposium focused on children on the autism spectrum, providing caregivers and educators with practical strategies to better support their unique developmental and emotional needs.

Madam Clifford stressed that MCPI seeks to bridge the gap between psychology and parenting by equipping caregivers with tools, resources, and knowledge to support children’s emotional and behavioural development both at home and in school.

“Emotional intelligence must be valued as highly as academic achievement if Nigeria is to build a stable, empathetic, and progressive society,” she said.

“If we are serious about raising a generation of emotionally intelligent, morally grounded, and socially responsible leaders, we must first understand the intricacies of a child’s mind. Healing the psyche of the child is healing the future of the nation,” she added.

The launch brought together educators, mental health professionals, and caregivers for a day of learning, reflection, and practical engagement.

Dr. Adaobi Okeke, a guest speaker, delivered a session on “Learning Differences & Neurodiversity (ADHD, Dyslexia & Autism),” highlighting how parents and teachers can better support neurodivergent children both at home and in school.

She also emphasized the need to reduce stress during pregnancy as a critical factor affecting children’s neurodevelopment.

An obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr. Maryam Tukur-Shagaya, spoke on “Postpartum Struggles and the Emotional Journey of Motherhood,” stressing the importance of supporting the mental wellbeing of new mothers, whose emotional challenges are often overlooked.

The founder of Ummi Women Empowerment Foundation (Ummi Africa), Mrs. Ruqayya Tofa-Basheer, encouraged women to prioritise self-care and work–life balance, offering practical strategies for emotional regulation in high-pressure environments.

An educationist and founder of Broadoaks British School, Mrs. Eni Ogon, highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between schools and parents to ensure children’s mental wellness is nurtured alongside academic development.

The symposium reflected MCPI’s core mission of fostering emotional resilience and holistic development at all stages of childhood.

In closing, the Initiative extended an open invitation to families, educators, and caregivers: “Come, learn, unlearn, and relearn with us – for the sake of the minds we’re nurturing and the future we’re shaping.”

With its official launch, according to the founder, MCPI has positioned itself at the forefront of national conversations on child psychology, emotional wellbeing, and the urgent need to raise a generation that is not only brilliant but also balanced, not only informed but also inspired, and not only successful but genuinely humane.