Rebutting the Unfounded Allegations by Jackson Ude Against the NUPRC, Dr. Gbenga Komolafe, and Dr. Aisha Achimugu- Indo Yohanna

A Rejoinder: Rebutting the Unfounded Allegations by Jackson Ude Against the NUPRC, Dr. Gbenga Komolafe, and Dr. Aisha Achimugu
By Indo Yohanna, Esq | Email: ntoindo@gmail.com |

The recent report circulated by Jackson Ude, purporting a $5 million oil block scandal involving Dr. Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and Dr. Aisha Achimugu, is nothing short of a sensationalist narrative crafted with the singular intent of maligning credible professionals and undermining Nigeria’s upstream petroleum governance framework.

Upon sober scrutiny, the allegations collapse under the weight of their own inconsistencies and lack of credible substantiation.

1. A Fabrication Wrapped in Falsehood: Discrediting the Jackson Ude Story

To begin with, the story peddled by Mr. Ude is riddled with unverifiable claims, unnamed sources, and conjectural assertions, all devoid of the basic tenets of investigative journalism.

The reliance on hearsay and anonymous “insiders” is not only journalistic malpractice but also an insult to the intelligence of discerning Nigerians. The entire construct, replete with hyperbole and uncorroborated insinuations, bears the hallmarks of a politically motivated smear campaign.

There is no traceable evidence, no financial trail, and no formal inquiry that supports the alleged “cash-and-carry” oil block narrative.

Moreover, it is curious that these salacious allegations surface precisely at a time when significant strides are being made in sanitizing the oil sector—an effort spearheaded by the very individuals being targeted. The timing is too convenient to be coincidental.

2. NUPRC and Dr. Gbenga Komolafe: Beacons of Professionalism and Integrity

Contrary to the defamatory depiction, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission under the stewardship of Dr. Gbenga Komolafe has emerged as a bastion of regulatory competence and ethical stewardship.

As the pioneer CEO, Dr. Komolafe has ushered in a regime grounded in the ethos of transparency, professionalism, and reformative zeal, particularly with the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

His leadership has emphasized data transparency, equitable licensing rounds, and investor-friendly policies that have repositioned the Commission as a model for regulatory excellence.

The accusations against him are not only spurious but diametrically opposed to the legacy he is painstakingly building. One cannot impugn the integrity of a man by mere whisperings in shadowed corners; character, like light, reveals itself in consistency—and Dr. Komolafe’s record speaks volumes.

3. Dr. Aisha Achimugu: A Symbol of Female Entrepreneurial Rebirth, Not a Fugitive

It is both defamatory and factually incorrect to characterize Dr. Aisha Achimugu as a “fugitive.” There exists no court order, no bench warrant, nor any judicial pronouncement declaring her a fugitive or absconder under Nigerian law. Such a designation is not only legally weighty but must be backed by formal legal instruments—not media sensationalism or politically charged conjecture.

To date, no credible record exists from any competent court in Nigeria affirming that Dr. Achimugu is evading justice.

The reality is that Dr. Achimugu is currently working from abroad on several international ventures aligned with her legitimate business interests. She has not gone into hiding, nor has she denied the jurisdiction of Nigerian authorities. Indeed, credible sources confirm that she intends to return to Nigeria and has expressed her willingness to cooperate fully with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the appropriate time. This is the behavior of a law-abiding citizen—not that of a fugitive.

To hastily and falsely label her as a fugitive not only violates her fundamental rights but also threatens to discourage capable women from entering the economic and political spaces traditionally reserved for a privileged few. Dr. Achimugu has broken glass ceilings in the male-dominated oil and gas sector and must be judged by the content of her professional contribution, not by a cloud of manufactured scandal.

Her trajectory stands as a testament to what is possible when competence, vision, and resilience converge. Instead of demonizing her through conjecture, the nation should see in her a blueprint for inclusive progress and transparent enterprise.

4. In Defense of Vision and Institutional Integrity

The broader picture reveals that both Dr. Komolafe and Dr. Achimugu have become targets precisely because they disrupt old power matrices.

The NUPRC, by enforcing transparency and compliance mechanisms, has unsettled entrenched actors who previously thrived in regulatory ambiguity. Similarly, Dr. Achimugu’s ascent signals a new wave of technocratic, gender-diverse leadership that does not rely on cronyism but on capability.

It is ironic that those who decry corruption in public institutions are quick to denounce reformers the moment their actions challenge vested interests. As the saying goes, “when you throw a stone into a pack of dogs, the one that yelps is the one that got hit.” The frenzied allegations may be less about truth and more about resistance to change.

In sum, the campaign to tarnish the NUPRC, Dr. Gbenga Komolafe, and Dr. Aisha Achimugu is not merely misinformed; it is a calculated attempt to roll back the clock on reform, integrity, and inclusivity.

Nigeria must not fall prey to tabloid antics masquerading as exposés. Let evidence—not innuendo—guide our judgment. Let us judge the tree by its fruit, not by the noise of the wind around it.

Indo Yohanna, Esq
Email: ntoindo@gmail.com

About The Author