Northern youths knock Reps over call for NMPDRA boss’ suspension

Northern youths under the aegis of Northern Youths Frontiers on Thursday condemned the call for the suspension of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority, Farouk Ahmed by the House of Representatives.

The PUNCH had earlier reported that the House of Representatives called on the Federal Government to suspend the NMDPRA boss pending the conclusion of the investigations of allegations against him.

The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Esosa Federal Constituency, Edo State, Esosa Iyawe, during Tuesday’s plenary on the need to address issues arising from Farouk’s utterances about the nation’s local refineries.

The lawmaker reminded his colleagues that claims of adulterated fuel in the Nigerian market must be thoroughly investigated, stating that fuel quality can impact engine hardware.

In a statement by its North-west coordinator, Abdul Usman, the group expressed shock at the call by the legislative arm of government.

“We are appalled by the House of Representatives’ resolution to sack the Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority, Farouk Ahmed, over alleged ‘unguarded comments’ on local refineries.

“This move reeks of desperation and blatant bias,” Usman said.

Speaking further, the group asked, “the House of Representatives to retract its resolution and uphold fairness and protection for whistleblowers and industry regulators who dare to speak truth to power.”

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