Diezani Alison-Madueke Set To Become OPEC Secretary General

Speculation are still rife as to the future of  Petroleum Minister Diezani Allison-Madueke and she is already being lined up for an even bigger job as the Sec-Gen of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries [OPEC]. The post, currently held by Abdullah al-Badri, will become vacant in December. Questions are being asked if she will be sacked or redeployed and from all indications, it seems she is set to ditch the scandal hit petroleum ministry and head for OPEC.

Reuters had hinted that President Goodluck Jonathan may have thrown his weight behind her for the OPEC's plum job, Secretary General. The news of Alison-Madueke's nomination was disclosed by Iraq's oil minister, Abdul Kareem Luaibi, on Tuesday, according to a Reuters  report.

Her nomination is coming at a time that the minister is facing intense pressure back home to extricate herself from a series of scandals linked to her. If the Nigerian candidacy is successful, Alison-Madueke will be the oil exporter group's first female in the post. OPEC is to meet today (Wednesday).The minister is currently being investigated by the House of Representatives for allegedly spending N10bn to charter a private jet for two years.
She has, however, made repeated attempts to foil the probe by the House. Last month, she got an order of interim injunction from a court restraining the House, its members, committee or agents from summoning or directing her to appear before the probe panel. The House had commenced the investigation following a motion on March 20, 2014, that was presented by Samuel Adejare.

The motion had accused Alison-Madueke of committing about €500,000 (N130m) monthly to maintain the private jet for her personal needs and those of her immediate family.