The senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has called for the “hanging” of Farouk Ahmed, the former chief executive officer and managing director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

Mr Oshiomhole, a former Edo governor, made this call during plenary on Thursday at the screening of Saidu Aliyu Mohammed, who was nominated as the new CEO of NMDPRA.

“Your predecessor, Mr Ahmed Farouk, who was removed, and I celebrated it last night. He needed to be hanged,” said Mr Osiomhole. “In my previous statement, I said if we don’t hang him, he will hang Nigeria.”

He added, “Anyone who is opposed to jobs being created in Nigeria, who prefers importation, importing poverty here and exporting out prosperity abroad, does not deserve to live. I want to see how his case will be pursued to a conclusion.”

Mr Oshiomhole also warned Mr Mohammed to avoid making similar mistakes to those of his predecessor, berating him for “very shameful performance policy choices.”

“Looking at your CV, you are qualified. The issue for me is not about qualification. It’s about policy choices, and that’s why I want to learn from you. Everywhere in the world, the nations make deliberate efforts to protect local industries to create jobs,” Mr Oshiomhole said, asking the newly appointed NMDPRA boss how he hopes to make a difference.

Mr Oshiomhole’s outburst followed Mr Ahmed’s resignation after the president and chief executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, accused him of living far above his earnings.

Mr Dangote, in a petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), called for the arrest, investigation, and prosecution of Mr Ahmed for allegedly living beyond his lawful means as a public servant.

However, Mr Ahmed, in a statement circulated on NMDPRA’s X page on Wednesday, said Mr Dangote has made wild and spurious allegations against him.

He added, “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. 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.”

The ICPC on Tuesday acknowledged receiving Mr Dangote’s petition against Mr Farouk, saying it will probe allegations of corruption and financial impropriety brought against him.