It was publicly disclosed in a statement released on
Thursday, October 8, that Nigeria’s former petroleum minister, Diezani
Alison-Madueke, has cancer.
It should be recalled that the ex-minister who served under Gooodluck
Jonathan’s administration was said to have been arrested a week ago in
London over bribery allegations and later that day released on bail.
The legal action has purportedly started, with new details emerging
every day on the matter. In a fresh development the reports providing
personal issues have transpired.
According to The Nation, Diezani’s attorney Oscar M. Onwudiwe
yesterday released the statement in which he shockingly denied all the
allegations, including arrest and questioning.
“The Madueke family is appalled at the ongoing media frenzy
against Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke following an invitation to her by
the British authorities last Friday for reasons which have yet to be
disclosed.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the family would like to state
categorically that it has no issues with any persons from the family
being invited anywhere in the world to answer questions about their
private or official conduct.
“The Madueke family believes in law and order, honour and due
process. It is a deliberate and vicious campaign to demonise members of
the Madueke family, with all manner of frivolous allegations.
“It is worth emphasising that Mrs Alison-Madueke was never
arrested or detained and her passport was never seized. She was merely
invited, and she honoured it promptly
“The Madueke family, like most other families, have their own
challenges. For instance, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke has been receiving
treatment for cancer in the UK which started while she was in office.
“The health crisis has unfortunately exacerbated in recent times.
She completed months of chemotherapy just last week and she is
scheduled to undergo surgery next week in London.
“The family has been bearing this challenge with prayers and as
much grace and fortitude as possible; and would plead with all
reasonable Nigerians to pray for her recovery so that she can face this
allegation and give account of her stewardship. Yes, she can—and very
well, too.
“The Madueke and Agama families would want the decent public to
know that neither Ugonna nor Somze or Abiye or anyone related to the two
families was picked up or arrested or invited for questioning by
anybody whatsoever. Ugonna’s father (the Rear Admiral) has been in Lagos
and working in his office.
“The lies about his having travelled with a team of lawyers
should please stop. The Madueke family has taken a decision on how to
appropriately deal with those who are on a mission to soil their hard
earned family name.”
Based on the update by Sahara Reporters, Alison-Madueke has breast
cancer and her husband will soon travel to the UK to support his spouse.
