Ovation publisher, Dele Momodu, on Saturday delivered the scoop to die for in the inaugural edition of his newspaper, The Boss.
Mr. Momodu, who last week published an encounter with former Petroleum Resources Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, in his ThisDay column, did a follow-up with exclusive pictures of the frail 54-year-old currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer in the UK.
In the report that accompanies the pictures, the first female president of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) cries out “I did not steal Nigeria’s money”.
The UK National Crimes Agency had arrested Mrs. Alison-Madueke in September in connection with fraud. She was granted bail and has not been charged in any British court although a princely sum was confiscated from her; her mum, Mrs. Beatrice Agama, and others.
President Muhammadu Buhari has promised to unravel the corruption allegedly perpetrated under Diezani’s watch as minister particularly at the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
Gone is the elegance with which Diezani wormed her way into the pages of many style publications; the woman on the cover of The Boss is a far cry from the untouchable under former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Her weak state notwithstanding, she still has very strong words about allegations of corruption and inappropriate relationship with Jonathan and some other men.
All that and more are in the new publication.
Given the impunity associated with her tenure under Jonathan, some skeptical Nigerians have accused Momodu of doing a clean-up job for the much vilified Diezani.
Others, however, believe she deserves prayer and sympathy.
See some of the reactions below:
Prayers are with Diezani Madueke, you served your nation well, we wish speedy and full recovery. Stay strong beautiful
— Joshua A. Arthur (@JoshAdeshina) November 14, 2015
buh i still ask, if GEJ had won re-election, will Diezani be down with Cancer? — Chuma (@Chu_moni) November 14, 2015
I wish former Minister Diezani Alison Madueke quick recovery. Ma we would pray for u but pls our money. pic.twitter.com/h7AFt7vCz5
— Musa D.Phil (@mohammedbaba77) November 14, 2015
No No No that can’t be Diezani — Fadoju Temitope F. (@MCtopiano) November 14, 2015
Come to think of it, why are we just learning about her condition now? Could she have been cancer-free during GEJ admin? #Diezani
— Mr_Ameen (@aminuh36) November 14, 2015
I repeat: I do not give a damn about Diezani or even the money she stole When evil befalls those ruining lives, others will take heed — LGL (@Prosquid) November 14, 2015
Diezani can’t steal that much money and not have cancer. But she just removed wig and washed off makeup. pic.twitter.com/AomZi3ObLx
— Trends (@TRENDS_NG) November 14, 2015
Diezani didn’t steal Nigeria’s money. She diverted it. — Prince Sani S Imam (@Princemeek19) November 14, 2015
If it wasn’t a PR stunt, Diezani could have worn a wig n put on make up. We don’t need pix to know she has cancer nah. Doctors report nko?
— #RhynosKonsult (@nnaemy2001) November 14, 2015
But whats this news of #Diezani. Some are even laughing. I think we shld do what is right. If she is ill, don’t laugh, u don’t know her pain — Tosin Oyegunsen (@Adetutugeorge) November 14, 2015
But it’s possible that God is punishing Diezani for all the money she stole…. Now she’ll probably nt live longer to enjoy it ??
— #NigeriaFirstLady (@wetriumphstill) November 14, 2015
Something is just fishy about this whole interview session. I bet on the next episode she’ll deny having cancer at all.#Diezani — Mr_Ameen (@aminuh36) November 14, 2015
Don’t be fooled that isn’t DIEZANI. It’s an App effect.
— Omoluabi (@Neyorth) November 14, 2015
Just saw a picture of diezani and it looked nothing like that pretty woman in the previous administration. She looks frail — Adedoyin wright (@doyinwright1) November 14, 2015
Leave story even Mubarak had a life threatening sickness when he was tried. Diezani must stand trial,sit or lie down whichever is comforting
— Akinyele Osha (@AKNY1) November 14, 2015
Don’t care if Diezani is throwing the pity card,cancer is a horrible disease,I wish her quick recovery. — TJ (@tweeenz) November 14, 2015
