A coalition of youth leaders has urged the Presidency, National Assembly, and other relevant authorities to disregard recent petitions and reports accusing Engr. Faruq Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), of financial misconduct.
At a joint press conference in Abuja, the South-South Youth Leaders and Agitators and the Nigeria Youth for Good Governance condemned the allegations as a smear campaign by faceless and politically motivated groups seeking to discredit the reforms underway in the petroleum regulatory sector.
Speaking on behalf of the South-South Youth Leaders, Comrade Eidogho Marcus described the petitions as “spurious, unsubstantiated, and orchestrated” by groups with no track record of public advocacy or anti-corruption work.
“These groups surface only when hired for smear campaigns. They lack national credibility and should not be taken seriously,” Marcus said.
He praised Engr. Ahmed’s integrity and professionalism, noting that his leadership has repositioned the midstream and downstream sectors for better performance and transparency.
Similarly, Comrade Oluwole Samson, Convener of Nigeria Youth for Good Governance, urged the media to resist being used as tools in politically driven attacks against competent public servants.
“Engr. Faruq Ahmed stands as a symbol of what public service should represent—merit, competence, and national commitment,” Samson said.
He called on Nigerians and the international community to support genuine institutional reforms and reject what he termed a “trial-by-media” culture that undermines credible leadership.
Both groups reaffirmed their support for Ahmed, calling on Nigerian youths to be vigilant and uphold values that strengthen national development.
