In a startling turn of events, the EFCC has brought to light a shocking financial scandal involving Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal Dare, and the former Petroleum Minister, Diezani. Diezani, currently in the second stage of cancer, has reportedly sought President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s permission to return to Nigeria and confess to financial misconduct during her tenure.
Diezani revealed her association with Governor Lawal, claiming she entrusted over 9 billion dollars to him for safekeeping while he served as the Executive Director of First Bank Nigeria PLC. This revelation comes during a press conference in London after a medical visit, where Diezani expressed her readiness to disclose intricate details of the alleged misappropriation of funds during her time in office.
The former Petroleum Minister, now a born-again Christian, tearfully acknowledged the accusations of financial misconduct, urging President Tinubu and Nigerians to forgive her and allow her to return home to contribute positively. However, the situation takes a darker turn as it is revealed that Governor Dauda Lawal is unresponsive to Diezani’s calls. Moreover, there are claims of collaboration with UK police to subject her to surveillance, fueling suspicions of an attempt to claim the entrusted funds upon her demise.
Diezani disclosed that her husband, family members, and her Nigerian lawyer in the UK were aware of her relationship with Governor Lawal Dare. Unfortunately, she lamented that Lawal is no longer answering her calls and has cooperated with the UK police to put her under surveillance, possibly with intentions to claim the funds she entrusted to him upon her death. This scandal unravels against the backdrop of Diezani’s plea for forgiveness and transparency, emphasizing the transient nature of life.
