The Internet was thrown in a frenzy on Saturday over circulated photographs of a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, looking frail.Alison-Madueke, who is reportedly undergoing treatment for cancer, in London is under investigation by the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency for allegations of bribery and money laundering.
She had been accused of spending billions of naira as minister to maintain private jets and alleged to be responsible for $20bn in missing funds, though she has repeatedly denied the allegations.
In the pictures released on Instagram and Twitter by the publisher of Ovation magazine, Dele Momodu, Alison-Madueke was seen sporting a scarf around her shoulders with her usually turbaned head left unveiled, showing a significant loss of hair.
Several Nigerians, reacting on Twitter, expressed different opinions about the photograph.
One user, @SanRomeo, said, “Madam Diezani, we don’t care about picture, just give us our yam.”
Dipo Awojide also said, “I am just going to pretend like I haven’t seen Diezani’s new picture and read the story. Doesn’t change anything.”
According to another user, @Babygiwa, the photograph of the former minister looks “really scary, but I refuse to pity her. My sympathies are for the people that are suffering because of her.”
Similarly, @TheRewetleyMan said, “It’s crazy how much makeup they applied to make Diezani look like this; not buying it.”
In the same vein, @TheHvntre said, “I’m not even buying that picture, please (President Muhammadu) Buhari, prosecute Diezani thoroughly and accordingly.”
Àkànní-Adé added, “Aunty Diezani, they say you have cancer. Please come back home as soon as possible. It is now treatable in Nigeria.”
Some other Nigerians, however, were more sombre. Speaking reflectively, they sought divine help on behalf of the former minister.
As Aruwa, said, “I wish Diezani quick recovery simply because I want to see her back in court so the masses can get justice.”
Omojuwa also said, “Diezani’s story points to the transience of power, money, beauty and, just as for everyone, life itself! Nothing lasts forever.”
For Funmilayo Ajala, if the picture of Alison-Madueke was true, “I pray that God will heal her. I do not wish such for my enemy.” Abdulbaqi Jari added, “If this really is Diezani, then there is nothing scarier than life. God forgive me.”
“Please God heal Diezani. I have not been myself since last night I saw her picture with the thought, ‘What if she is my mum or Auntie,’” Ochiabuto said.
But @tosinadeda said, “I mean, it’s sad that Diezani has cancer, but that is a different issue from the case she needs to answer in court. Stop joining issues please.”