Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke denies seeking asylum in foreign countries

Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has denied reports that she is seeking asylum in foreign countries because she fears that president-elect,Muhammadu Buhari will send her to prison once he assumes office.

Here’s the background of the story: Yesterday, Sahara Reporters alleged that six countries refused to grant an asylum request made by Alison-Madueke. They reportedly got their information from the Business Council for Africa’s (BCA) monthly report.

Read excerpts from the report by SR:

BCA noted that that US $ 1 trillion is the latest estimated figure of the looting of the Nigerian treasury between 1960 and 2005 alone…

The report, dated March 2015, focused extensively on Nigeria’s general elections.  It said the notorious Minister, whose impunity is known to have been closely-protected by President Goodluck Jonathan, will be coming under the microscope for the first time in her Ministerial career.

“Given her reputation, it comes as no surprise to learn that 6 countries have already refused to grant her asylum to live in their countries as she now wishes to leave Nigeria at the earliest possible opportunity,” it said.

BCA recalled President-elect Muhammadu Buhari lamenting that the rest of the world looks at Nigeria as the home of corruption, one where stealing is not corruption but a way of life, and that his administration will pursue all public offices and individuals who are believed to be guilty of corruption.

It observed that despite an earlier promise, it is now understood that Buhari’s anti-corruption fishing net will include Ministers currently serving under President Goodluck Jonathan. Alison-Madueke’s departure from Nigeria is likely to be followed by several other PDP elders, party members and supporters as well as some former Government officials, as Buhari’s anti-corruption drive will be far-reaching…

Speaking through the Group Public Affairs General Manager of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Ohi Alegbe, Alison-Madueke denied the allegations, Vanguard reports.

“I want to say that the Minister of Petroleum has never contemplated going on asylum in any part of the world and has never applied for any. The minister has only gone for a short vacation abroad and will soon return to Nigeria, having no reason to leave her job and country for any other place,” he said.