News
CBIAMEC Urges Tinubu to Act on Allegations Against NMDPRA CEO
…..Calls for Policy on Domestic Schooling for Officials’ Children
The Civil Society Budget Implementation, Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (CBIAMEC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take urgent action over corruption allegations leveled against the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr. Farouk Ahmed.
In a press statement signed by its representative, Amb. Agbonkpolor Splendor on Monday, the group expressed deep concern over claims made by Africa’s foremost industrialist and founder of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, alleging that the NMDPRA boss spent about five million United States dollars on secondary school education for his four children in Switzerland over a six-year period.
CBIAMEC said the allegation, which was reportedly made by Dangote during a media briefing at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Plant in Lekki, Lagos, raises serious ethical and integrity questions, particularly given Nigeria’s current economic challenges and widespread public distrust in governance.
The group noted that such expenditure appears inconsistent with the known earnings of a public servant, especially one heading a key regulatory agency in the petroleum sector. According to CBIAMEC, regulatory institutions are expected to operate at the highest standards of transparency and accountability, warning that any perception of personal enrichment could undermine public confidence and the credibility of the NMDPRA.
CBIAMEC also aligned with Dangote’s reference to his own children attending secondary schools in Nigeria, describing it as a moral example that highlights the possibility of quality education within the country when leaders are committed to strengthening local institutions.
Beyond the specific allegations, the civil society group called for the introduction of a clear national policy requiring children of government officials and political appointees to attend primary and secondary schools in Nigeria, except in clearly justified and transparent circumstances. It argued that such a policy would strengthen confidence in the nation’s education system, reduce capital flight through foreign school fees, encourage investment in local institutions, and promote patriotism and shared national responsibility.
On the allegations against the NMDPRA CEO, CBIAMEC urged President Tinubu to immediately relieve Mr. Ahmed of his position pending a full, independent, and transparent investigation. The group stressed that allowing officials facing serious allegations to remain in sensitive offices weakens Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.
According to the statement, decisive action by the President would reaffirm his administration’s commitment to accountability, restore public confidence, and send a strong signal that no public official is above scrutiny.
CBIAMEC reaffirmed its commitment to civic engagement, budget transparency, and the protection of public interest, adding that it would continue to monitor developments and engage relevant authorities to ensure accountability and justice.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain the status quo in a dispute over the party’s candidates emerging from the Benue State APC primaries for the 2027 general election.
The order was made on Thursday by Justice Inyang Ekwo during proceedings in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1429/2026, filed by Engr. Sesugh Akaagba and other aggrieved APC candidates from Benue State against the APC and INEC.
The plaintiffs had, through an ex parte motion filed on July 5, 2026, sought six interim reliefs, including an order restraining the APC from substituting its validly nominated candidates in Benue State through its June 29, 2026 correspondence, or any subsequent communication, to INEC, pending determination of the substantive suit.
They also sought an order compelling the APC to immediately transmit to INEC the names of candidates validly nominated during the primaries monitored by the electoral commission.
When the matter first came up on July 8, 2026, the court declined to grant the interim application immediately, directing both APC and INEC to appear and respond before any decision was taken. The matter was adjourned to July 16.
At Thursday’s proceedings, counsel representing the APC and INEC were present in court, while the plaintiffs were represented by Mohammed Ndarani, SAN, alongside his legal team.
In his ruling, Justice Ekwo held that since issues had been joined by the parties particularly with INEC now before the court, the defendants were required by law to preserve the subject matter of the litigation pending determination of the substantive suit.
When counsel to the plaintiffs urged the court to caution APC and INEC against taking any further action that could affect the disputed list of candidates, the judge responded that it was “not a matter of advice but of law,” stressing that the defendants were bound to maintain the status quo.
The court consequently restrained APC and INEC from taking any action capable of altering the disputed list of candidates pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
The defendants did not object to the restraining order.
At the commencement of proceedings, the court noted that all parties had voluntarily submitted to its jurisdiction by duly filing and exchanging their respective processes.
It held that there was no procedural or jurisdictional impediment to the expeditious determination of the substantive action, and directed that the matter be heard without further delay.
In furtherance of the objective of preserving the res and safeguarding the efficacy of the judicial process, the court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and final determination of the substantive suit, restraining any act or omission capable of prejudicing the rights of the parties or rendering the proceedings nugatory.
The court further directed that INEC be served forthwith with the originating and all consequential processes.
The effect of the subsisting order is that INEC is restrained from tampering with the existing list of candidates pending final determination of the suit, and from receiving, recognising, or acting upon any purported substituted list of National Assembly candidates from Benue State submitted by the APC.
The matter was adjourned to July 21, 2026, for hearing of the substantive suit.
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and former First Lady Patience Ibifaka Jonathan recently celebrated a significant family milestone as they attended the graduation ceremony of their son, Ariara Goodluck Jonathan, at Manchester Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom.
The proud parents joined family members and well-wishers to witness Ariara receive his degree, marking the successful completion of his academic programme. The occasion was filled with joy as the Jonathan family commemorated the achievement, highlighting the importance they place on education and personal development.
The graduation ceremony attracted warm congratulatory messages from friends, associates, and admirers, who wished the graduate continued success in his future endeavours.
The Following names joined the political family of Sen. Dr. George Akume today after leaving the sinking Alia ship .
Under the leadership of Barr. Emmanuel Jime .
The are ;
Chief Nelson Alapa
Douglas pepe SAN senatorial Aspirant zone A,
Engr Peter Ashiekaa
QS Clement Beetseh
Former commissioners
Joy Luga
Ann itodo
Barr martins Shaagee
Miss Dorcas
Prof Usar Joseh
Prof Cephas Tushima
Chief Patrick Idoko
Hon Patience Akor
Hon Fred Idoko
Hon Lawrence Ekpo Onoja Jnr
Hon Andrew Abah
Hon Agbo Innocent Ikwumonu
Hon Simon Omachoko
Hon David Egboja
Dr John Garba
Among together,
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