A rights group, Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative (EUYI), has criticized a planned protest against the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, describing it as an unnecessary distraction lacking in substance.

At a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, EUYI’s Secretary, Comrade Igwe Ude-Umanta, along with the Co-convener of the Civil Society Roundtable Engagement, expressed concern over what they described as unfounded allegations and coordinated attempts to discredit public officials under the guise of civil society activism.

The group warned against attempts to misrepresent the civil society space, stating: “While we labour to lend our voices to national discourse and serve as watchdogs of our society, a few individuals exploit this platform for personal agendas, which undermines the integrity of advocacy.”

Ude-Umanta referenced a recent Civil Society Roundtable Engagement convened by EUYI, attended by 32 civil society groups, to review the activities of the NMDPRA under Engr. Ahmed’s leadership. The session concluded with positive feedback and constructive recommendations.

“We acknowledged achievements and also made suggestions for further improvements. These are the kind of engagements credible civil society groups should focus on,” he said.

In response to a separate protest by an unidentified group at the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, which raised concerns over Ahmed’s personal affairs and called for his resignation, EUYI called for caution and evidence-based advocacy.

“Allegations must be backed by facts. Personal decisions, such as children’s education, should not be used as the basis for public accusations without substantiated claims,” the group said.

EUYI reiterated its support for transparency and accountability, but emphasized that such efforts must be grounded in verified information.

The group concluded by encouraging public discourse to remain focused on national development and advised public figures to continue engaging constructively with genuine civil society stakeholders.

“We urge all concerned to promote advocacy that uplifts governance, encourages accountability, and contributes to national unity and progress,” EUYI stated.