After nearly 11 years hanging over her head, the case is finally closed, and Diezani Alison-Madueke isn’t holding back on how it feels.
The Southwark Crown Court in London acquitted the former Minister of Petroleum Resources of all charges on Wednesday, clearing her of five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, according to Vanguard.
Speaking to News Central shortly after the verdict, Alison-Madueke didn’t mince words about the toll the long-running case has taken. She revealed she’s been based in the UK since the legal proceedings kicked off over a decade ago.
“I’m just thankful to God, it’s been arduous, almost 11 years. It’s been traumatic not just for me but for my family, friends, my 93-year-old mother in Port Harcourt and for my son,” she said.
Faith clearly carried her through the ordeal. “God will always do as he will. God will be God and God is not a man that he should lie; when he promises you something, he will see it through,” she added.
Reflecting on her time in office, the former minister stood firm on her conduct throughout the saga. “For almost 11 years I have been here. I did my job to the best of my ability,” she said.
The acquittal closes one of the most closely watched corruption trials involving a Nigerian public official in recent memory.
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