Diezani Alison-Madueke, the embattled former petroleum minister during President Goodluck Jonathan’s regime, has reportedly reached out to the Nigerian government, appealing for leniency and expressing her readiness to return to Nigeria to confess to misappropriations during her time in office. The statement was released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to the EFCC statement, Diezani, who is said to be suffering from the second stage of cancer, made the appeal during a press interaction in London after a medical visit. The former petroleum minister, accused of embezzling billions of dollars of Nigeria’s funds, declared her willingness to open up about the alleged financial misconduct during her tenure.
In her statement, Diezani, claiming to be a born-again Christian, cited her health condition and expressed remorse for the accusations against her. She urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians to forgive her, stating her desire to return home and contribute positively to the country.
“I am a born-again Christian and currently suffering from the second stage of cancer, which my United Kingdom physician advised me to continue taking medication for the rest of my life. Yes, no human is perfect, but sometimes, God Almighty allows some of such to happen,” Diezani said in tears, as per the EFCC statement.
Diezani also revealed details about her relationship with Dauda Lawal Dare, the current Zamfara State governor, claiming she entrusted over $9 billion to him for safekeeping while he was the Executive Director of First Bank Nigeria PLC. She lamented that Lawal is no longer responding to her calls and has collaborated with the UK police to surveil her, raising concerns about the safety of the funds she entrusted to him.
The plea from Diezani Alison-Madueke adds a new chapter to the ongoing saga surrounding her alleged financial misconduct, and the Nigerian government is yet to officially respond to this appeal.
