A coalition of 111 civil society organizations (CSOs) under the umbrella of the Ummatee Centre for the Promotion of Public Education, Accountability and Social Safety (Ummatee-C4PASS) has commended business mogul Alhaji Aliko Dangote for what it described as his respect for the rule of law, following his petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
In a press statement signed by the Executive Director, Ummatee-C4PASS Comrade Ghazali Ibrahim Ungogo, the coalition said Dangote acted responsibly and within the confines of the law by submitting a written petition to the ICPC over issues involving the former Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed.
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According to the CSOs, petitioning an anti-corruption agency is a constitutionally protected civic action that aligns with Nigeria’s accountability and rule-of-law framework.
The group noted that the ICPC’s invitation to Alhaji Dangote to appear before it demonstrates the Commission’s prompt response and confirms that a formal investigation has commenced, describing the move as a confidence-building step for Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions.
Ummatee-C4PASS and its partner organizations stressed that investigative bodies should be allowed to carry out their statutory responsibilities without interference, warning that premature public judgments could undermine due process and institutional independence.
The coalition also expressed concern over reports of organized public defenses mounted by some groups claiming to represent civil society interests in favor of an alleged individual involved in the matter.
While acknowledging the importance of freedom of expression, the CSOs cautioned that coordinated efforts aimed at influencing or delegitimizing lawful investigations could erode public trust in democratic institutions.
The statement reaffirmed that reporting allegations to lawful authorities is a civic duty, compliance with investigative invitations reflects respect for the rule of law, and that no individual past or present should be shielded from accountability.
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The coalition further emphasized that the primary responsibility of civil society is to protect democratic processes and institutional integrity.
The CSOs called on all stakeholders to remain calm, responsible, and committed to due process as the ICPC continues with its investigation.