In a statement read out in court, the former Nigerian president confirmed that “any properly incurred incidental or in-kind assistance from third parties would be recorded and reimbursed where applicable”. This follows statements made by oil executives confirming Diezani’s statements that expenses were repaid to them.
The former minister testified in London explaining that political fallout from the subsidy crisis led to her being unfairly targeted.
The former minister testified in London explaining that political fallout from the subsidy crisis led to her being unfairly targeted.
It was explained that Diezani’s role was procedural, with technical experts vetting contracts before her final approval.
The former minister explained her role was procedural, noting that contract decisions were finalised by government officials.
Diezani told the court that she never requested or accepted bribes, explaining that her living and travel expenses were official logistics reimbursed by the Nigerian government to support her work.
Addressing a jury in London, the former OPEC chief said thousands of documents proving her defence had been made to disappear. The detailed records had been kept to protect herself from political targeting.
Diezani testified that her role was procedural, explaining that she acted on decisions made by government officials in line with due process for awarding contracts.
It is no secret that Nigeria is a country where men overwhelmingly hold positions of power and authority. Within that patriarchal society lurks an ugly, open-secret, that some men think women should be seen and not heard. That no amount of political involvement or personal autonomy should be permitted for females in Nigeria.