In a dramatic twist, Mr Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, has denied issuing any response to recent allegations made against him by Aliko Dangote.
In a statement signed by Ahmed on Wednesday in Abuja, he said a purported reaction circulating in the public space did not originate from him, stressing that he had deliberately refrained from engaging in public exchanges over the matter.
Ahmed said he was aware of what he described as wild and spurious allegations made against him and members of his family, as well as the intense public attention the claims had generated.
“As a regulator in a very sensitive sector, I opted not to engage in public brickbats,” he said.
Dangote, on Sunday, accused the leadership of the NMDPRA of working with international traders and petroleum product importers to undermine local refining efforts.
He alleged that this was carried out through the continued issuance of import licences for petroleum products.
Also Read: ICPC receives Dangote’s petition on NMDPRA
Dangote further alleged that Ahmed was living beyond his legitimate means, claiming that four of his children were enrolled in secondary schools in Switzerland at costs running into several million dollars.
Reacting to reports suggesting he had responded to the allegations, Ahmed stated clearly that such claims were false.
“My attention has been drawn to a purported response I was said to have made on the recent allegations against my person. I hereby state that the statement did not emanate from me,” he said.
He added that the matter had now been taken to a formal investigative institution by the accuser, expressing confidence that the process would provide a fair platform to examine the issues objectively.
“Thankfully, the person behind the allegations has taken it to a formal investigative institution. I believe that would provide an opportunity to dispassionately distill the issues and to clear my name,” Ahmed said.
NAN
