The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has criticized what it describes as 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.
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, during a press verifying on Sunday, claims that Alison-Maduekwe is being deliberately vilified to divert attention from pressing national issues such as worsening insecurity.
Onwubiko 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.
He 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,” he said.
Onwubiko spoke on the controversy surrounding the yacht Galactica reportedly forfeited to the United States and sold for $52.8m
According to him, 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,” he said.
He also frowned at the labeling of the funds recovered from the yacht’s sale as “Diezani loot,” calling it a misleading and unfounded narrative.
Onwubiko added 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,” he said.
He further criticized 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).
While highlighting the contributions by Alison-Madueke’s to Nigeria and the global energy sector, the National Coordinator called for the ongoing proceedings in the United Kingdom to be allowed to run their course without interference or prejudice.
He urged Nigerians to reject the culture of public lynching and sensationalism, which undermines the rule of law adding that allegations must be substantiated with evidence and addressed through proper legal channels.
He also called on media practitioners, public commentators, and government officials to ensure that their actions do not violate the rights and dignity of individuals.