“I Will Not Engage In Public Brickbats”, Farouk Ahmed Replies Dangote With This (pic)

Farouk Ahmed, the chief executive officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), said a statement circulating in his name, responding to recent allegations by Aliko Dangote, president and chief executive of Dangote Industries Limited, did not emanate from him.

Mr Ahmed, in a disclaimer sent to PREMIUM TIMES early on Wednesday, explained that while he is aware of the “wild and spurious allegations” made against him and his family and the frenzy it has generated, he has chosen not to engage in public brickbat.

He said he is thankful that the person behind the allegations has taken it to a formal investigative institution, adding that he believes that would provide an opportunity to dispassionately distill the issues and clear his name.

“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 categorically that the so-called statement did not emanate from me.

“While I am aware of the wild and spurious allegations made against me and my family and the frenzy it has generated, as a regulator of a sensitive industry, I have opted not to engage in public brickbat.

“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,” Mr Ahmed said.