As Minister of Petroleum, Ms. Diezani Alison-Madueke was not only powerful, but influential. She was highly revered and had the ears of former President Goodluck Jonathan. It was no surprise, therefore, that her exquisite detached house in Lekki Phase 1, Victoria Island, Lagos, was heavily guarded by mobile policemen and naval ratings. Right in front of the property is a well-manicured waterfront garden with a small jetty, where speedboats and small yachts of various types were anchored.
But as the popular saying goes, the only thing constant in life is change. Today, the number and size of boats anchored near the garden have dwindled to just three boats that lack the splendour of the former large vessels that used to grace the entrance to the property.
Also, unlike in the past when the security around the building was so tough that residents had to keep moving until they got past it, there are currently only one or two unarmed naval ratings carrying out sentry duties at the site.
It was also gathered that until now, the exclusive corner piece property, which overlooks the Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge, used to be a no-go area, even for residents of the estate.
However, even though the building has not yet lost its beauty, residents are said to be having some respite, as they can now jog past the property without being accosted, harassed or interrogated by heavily armed guards.
Source: Thisdaylive