The All Progressives Congress (APC) coalition known as National Defence has issued a plea to Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, urging him not to impede the return of former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, to Nigeria unless valid reasons for alleged wrongdoings are presented.
In a statement released on Saturday, the coalition emphasized the need for a fair and transparent legal process surrounding Diezani’s return amid controversies related to her self-imposed exile and numerous accusations by the Economic and Financial Commission (EFCC).
Diezani, addressing the press in London after a medical visit, openly acknowledged the accusations against her. She stated, “I have been accused of financial misconduct during my tenure as the petroleum minister, and it is true. However, I would like President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians to forgive me, allow me to return home, and contribute because life is transient.”
The former minister revealed her past association with Dauda Lawal Dare, the current governor of Zamfara State, to whom she entrusted over $9 billion for safekeeping while he served as the Executive Director of First Bank Nigeria PLC. She expressed concern that Governor Lawal is no longer responding to her calls and may have collaborated with the UK police to surveil her, potentially to claim the money she entrusted to him upon her demise.
Reacting to this development, the Chairman of APC Coalition, Comrade Abdullahi Anas Kaura, underscored the importance of ensuring a fair and transparent legal process. He urged Governor Dauda Lawal to avoid actions that could be perceived as hindering the due course of justice.
The statement issued by the APC Coalition noted, “Diezani Alison-Madueke, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, has faced accusations of corruption during her tenure as the Minister of Petroleum Resources.”
