The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, on Sunday criticised what it described as the “sustained and baseless vilification” of the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, calling for fairness and a commitment to the rule of law.
The group expressed dismay over the continuous use of the term “Diezani loot” to describe assets and funds reportedly recovered in cases entirely unrelated to her, alleging that such narratives are part of a deliberate campaign of misinformation and prejudice.
HURIWA pointed out that Alison-Madueke, who has reportedly been under investigation in the United Kingdom for nearly a decade, has yet to be convicted of any crime by any court of law in Nigeria or abroad. “Despite this, she remains the target of a sustained smear campaign that the association described as sensational and prejudicial.
They specifically addressed the controversy surrounding the yacht Galactica, reportedly forfeited to the United States and sold for $52.8 million.
According to HURIWA, public records confirm that the yacht belonged to businessman Kola Aluko, who voluntarily forfeited it as part of a settlement.
Alison-Madueke has denied any association with the yacht, reportedly stating that she neither owned nor used it. HURIWA dismissed attempts to link her to the yacht as baseless and malicious.
They further criticised the labeling of the funds recovered from the yacht’s sale as “Diezani loot,” calling it a misleading and unfounded narrative. HURIWA emphasised that the “Strategic Alliance Agreements (SAAs) between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Atlantic Energy, often cited to implicate Alison-Madueke in corruption, were adjudged valid by the Federal High Court in Abuja. “Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, now of the Court of Appeal, reportedly ruled that the agreements were lawfully executed, and the defendants were acquitted of charges related to their execution.”
HURIWA alleged that Alison-Madueke had no direct involvement in the negotiation or selection of the SAAs, as her role as Minister of Petroleum Resources was limited to appending her statutory approval after due diligence by the NNPC.
The association maintained that this process was consistent with her ministerial responsibilities and did not amount to any wrongdoing.
The group also addressed other allegations, including claims of non-payment of cash calls under the SAAs and the purported sale of oil blocks.
HURIWA clarified that these operational issues were unrelated to Alison-Madueke’s ministerial duties. It further alleged that when informed of challenges with the SAAs in 2014, Alison-Madueke initiated an investigation and directed recovery measures in collaboration with the Presidency.
They further criticised sensational claims such as Alison-Madueke owning a diamond-studded bra or misappropriating campaign funds, which have reportedly been debunked by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“These narratives”, the association argued, are designed to discredit her without any basis in fact.
The association also highlighted Alison-Madueke’s contributions to Nigeria and the global energy sector, describing her as a trailblazer whose achievements include serving as the first female Executive Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company in Nigeria, the first female Petroleum Minister in Nigeria, and the first female President of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
HURIWA argued that her accomplishments should be celebrated rather than overshadowed by unproven allegations.
They expressed concern over Alison-Madueke’s health challenges and her decade-long ordeal in the United Kingdom.
“Since October 2015, she has reportedly been under investigation by UK authorities in collaboration with Nigerian agencies. Despite this prolonged scrutiny, no evidence has been found to implicate her in any crime.”
HURIWA called for the ongoing proceedings in the United Kingdom to be allowed to run their course without interference or prejudice.
It urged Nigerians to reject the culture of public lynching and sensationalism, which undermines the rule of law.
Allegations, the association stressed, must be substantiated with evidence and addressed through proper legal channels.
HURIWA reiterated its commitment to justice and fairness. It called on media practitioners, public commentators, and government officials to ensure that their actions do not violate the rights and dignity of individuals.
“The rule of law must prevail over sensationalism and mob justice,” the association declared, urging Nigerians to demand accountability and fairness in public discourse.
