Conversations between the mother of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Coordinating Minister for the Economu and the Minister of Finance, Prof. Kamene Titi Okonjo, and her kidnappers have provided insight into the reasons for her kidnap.
The kidnappers told Okonjo that she was kidnapped because Okonjo-Iweala refused “to pay subsidy money” and had withheld payment for certain part of the SURE-P.
Okonjo-Iweala revealed this on Monday during a press briefing.
She said her mother was held for five days without food or water.
She reiterated that oil marketers that have not been paid are those whose claims could not be verified or those that owe the government.
She said those that have been verified have all been paid.
Okonjo-Iweala said the action of the government is in line with the yearnings of Nigerians who want only marketers with genuine claims to be paid.
On the SURE-P Funds, Okonjo-Iweala explained that payments go through a totally different process, which is outside the control of her Ministry.
The Coordinating Minister of the Economy commended Nigerians for their prayer, support and love towards her family during the period of the ordeal.
She explained that this has strengthened her faith and love for her country.
She extended special gratitude to President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice-President Namadi Sambo, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, other state governors, ministers, the leadership of the National Assembly and the international community.
My mum was kidnapped over unpaid subsidy claims – Okonjo-Iweala
