The former petroleum minister from the era of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who sought refuge in the UK due to fears of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Diezani Alison Maduekwe, has now appealed to the Nigerian government for leniency.
Mrs Diezani, reportedly in the second stage of her cancer, has implored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to permit her to return to Nigeria to confess to her financial misconduct during her tenure.
Speaking to the press in London after a medical visit, the ex-Petroleum minister, accused of embezzling billions of dollars from Nigeria, expressed her readiness to disclose details of the funds she allegedly misappropriated while in office.
“I am now a born-again Christian and currently grappling with the second stage of cancer, for which my United Kingdom-based physician has advised me to continue medication for the rest of my life,” she disclosed. “Yes, no one is flawless, but sometimes, God Almighty permits such occurrences.
I’ve been accused of financial misconduct during my tenure as the petroleum minister, and it’s true! However, I would like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians to forgive me, allow me to return home, and contribute because life is transient,” Diezani tearfully stated.
She went on to mention her association with Dauda Lawal Dare, the current governor of Zamfara State, to whom she entrusted over 9 billion dollars for safekeeping while he served as the Executive Director of First Bank Nigeria PLC.
Unfortunately, she revealed that Mr Dauda Lawal is now unresponsive to her calls and has collaborated with the UK police to subject her to surveillance, possibly to claim the entrusted funds upon her demise.
She said, ”My husband and my entire family members including My Nigeria lawyer based in the United Kingdom knew my relationship with Dauda Lawal Dare, the current Zamfara State governor whom I entrusted over 9 billion dollars for safe keeping while he was the Executive Director of the First Bank Nigeria PLC .
Unfortunately, it has now come to a point that Mr Dauda Lawal is no longer picking my phone calls and even worked in Collaboration with UK police to put me under Surveillance, may be to claim the Money I entrusted to him when I die.”
Credit: Nigerian Tribune except headline
