I've Never Stolen Nigeria's Money – Diezani
BEVERLY HILLS, November 14, (THEWILL) – A former Petroleum Minister, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, has declared once again that she did not steal Nigeria's money as she is being accused in many quarters.
The former minister, who is currently battling cancer and facing alleged money laundering charges in the United Kingdom spoke to Dele Momodu, the publisher of Ovation Magazine and a new newspaper which he calls The Boss newspaper, where the interview was published.
A recent photo of the emaciated former powerful oil minister was also published alongside the London interview where she reiterated that she did not steal N20bn from the coffers of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
“If there is one issue I must pursue in this world, it is the biggest lie of this money. How can $20billion disappear just like that? Where did it disappear to? Is it possible that such an amount would not be traceable? This is more painful coming from someone I considered a good friend who should appreciate the gravity of such allegation. I challenge anyone to come forward with facts showing that I stole government or public money. I've never stolen Nigeria's money…
“Rather, I worked hard to halt the rampant business of round-tripping. When I brought in Reginald Stanley to clean up the place, I requested for a list of the defaulters. There were about 92 of them and I made sure we sanctioned them. You can imagine the threat to my life but I was ready to defend the economic interests of my country. In fact, we were able to reduce the oil subsidy by about half. No one has applauded our effort,” Mrs. Alison-Madueke said.
She also denied buying choice properties across the world as she is being accused. According to Diezani, “It is so sad that anyone could say such about me. Let me say something to you, I live with my husband in the same house we've lived since we married in 1999. Ask anyone who knows us. Our house in Abuja was bought in 2007 by my husband and as an architect and lover of interior décor I did it up to our own taste. It is not over the top because I have good taste and appreciate bargains. I shop in regular shops like B & Q to do up all the places where I live.
“Anyone who tells you I have houses anywhere should feel free to publish them. That was how they said I bought an expensive property in Vienna. I went to court and I won the case. I never saw the house before except in picture. The house I stay in London is rented. “