by Wilfred Okiche
first published on 7 June 2014
There are a number of theories about why DAM remains untouchable by the GEJ administration, even in the face of countless compelling reasons for the former to step aside. Her closeness to the president is unrivalled, and there have been rumours of a familial or romantic connection.
From the moment she was appointed Nigeria’s first female Minister of Petroleum Resources, it was clear that Diezani Alison-Madueke was going to have a rough ride. The petroleum sector, an all boys club if ever there was one, for most of its history, has been the life blood of Nigeria’s economy. Contributing about 14.4% to the country’s total rebased GDP, and oiling its vicious political machinery, the sector is so critical and valuable that former president Olusegun Obasanjo acted as his own Petroleum Minister for 7 of the 8 years of his presidency, trusting no man (or woman) to head the ministry.
