Diezani’s Arrest and The Bitter Truth – Governor Oshiomhole

Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has said he is not surprised by the travails of ex-Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, in the United Kingdom given that the nation’s economy had been badly managed over the years by she and her people.

Oshiomhole said no average Nigerian fared better under the Goodluck Jonathan’s administration despite the media hype over a reported rebasing of the economy.

He said, “For me, I don’t think anybody should be surprised (about Alison-Madueke’s trial in the UK) because even the most favourable commentator on the Nigerian condition, the economy, the polity and the society, agrees that our economy was badly mismanaged over the years. I have not seen one commentator that disagrees.

“Even when they talk about rebasing, and so what? Have you rebased the level of poverty? Have you rebased prosperity? Have you rebased unemployment? Have you rebased homelessness? Have you rebased hunger?


“So, I have not seen anyone that says Nigerian people are doing better. This was never my issue. I was only a spokesman for the National Economic Council.

“But in this country, when you speak out, all the arrows would be fashioned to attack you. But one of the things I learnt in life at the age of 17 when I got into the leadership of labour is that the truth does not require supporters’ club. It can stand on its feet any day. You can hit it. You can kick it. You can bomb it, but you can’t destroy it.”

Oshiomhole said the truth had been that a lot of money was stolen under Jonathan’s watch. He said the ongoing travails of Alison-Madueke could only be described as a tip of the iceberg.
The governor spoke with correspondents after meeting with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa.