The minister, who spoke at a media briefing in Abuja, said the kidnappers who abducted her mother continuously talked about her alleged refusal to pay subsidy claims as well as the non-release of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) funds .
Maintaining that her mother's release from captivity after five days of excruciating pains and agony was a miracle, the minister said her mother , who exhibited great courage throughout her ordeal, was denied food and water by her captors despite her age.
Okonjo-Iweala however stated that nobody had stopped the payment of subsidy to marketers whose claims had been verified by the committee set up by the Federal Government.
She added that the decision of the Federal Government was that only claims emanating from genuine transactions and verifiable should be paid— a position she said Nigerians had also championed.
The minister also cleared herself on the accusation of stopping the release of SURE-P funds, saying the programme was a different process, under a special committee, which is not under her control.
She added that the Federal Government would continue to do what is right and in the overall interest of all Nigerians.
Explaining further, the minister stated: "I can’t give all the details because we don’t want to compromise on-going investigations.
"But I can tell you one thing: My mother suffered a great deal during this ordeal. It was only the Almighty God that rescued her from a situation that could very easily have ended tragically.
"Apart from the emotional trauma of being violently taken away from her family and kept incommunicado for five days in a strange environment, a woman of 83 years was left without food for five days. We give glory to God that she is alive today to tell the tale.
"While she was in their custody, the kidnappers spent much of the time harassing her. They told her that I must get on the radio and television and announce my resignation.
"When she asked why, they told her it was because I did not pay 'Oil subsidy money'.
"They also said I had blocked payment of money to certain components of the SURE-P programme.
"These statements are, of course, not true. In the case of subsidy payments, we have been paying all marketers whose claims have been verified by the Aig-Imoukhuede committee after going through the necessary processes.
"For marketers whose transactions are proven to be fraudulent, the position of the Jonathan government is also clear: we cannot and we will not pay. We will not back down on this. We will continue to stand firm.
"In the case of SURE-P, there is a totally different process that I have no control over.
"This is the right thing to do. And this, I believe is what the Nigerian people want."
She however expressed gratitude to Nigerians for the outpouring of love and support to her family during the period, saying this has strengthened her love for her country as she restated her resolve to work more for the country.
“Even as we thank God, we cannot forget so many Nigerians who have gone through the same terrible experience either as victims or families or friends of victims.
"Words are not enough to describe the sheer horror of the experience. The best way to honour the victims and families is to ensure that there is greater focus on kidnapping and progress in combating it. Working with the relevant agencies under the leadership of the President, I intend to contribute my quota to helping achieve this.
“We also thank Mr. President and the First Lady who were absolutely wonderful and first rate in their support and encouragement to me and my family throughout this terrible ordeal. The President took a daily interest in the case and gave directives for appropriate action by the security agencies.
“The security agencies also did a good job. They were very professional and enthusiastic in the discharge of their duties. I am hopeful that they will complete the job which they started so well.
“As terrible as the experience was, the love and sympathy of Nigerians was constant and overwhelming. It helped us get through the dark moments of this five day ordeal. God heard the prayers of the millions of Nigerians who prayed for the safe return of my mother.
"From the bottom of my heart, I thank all those who sent messages of support and encouragement by phone, by email and in person. To those who prayed in their homes and organised prayer circles in their churches and mosques and offices, I say: Thank you. Your prayers were heard,” she said.
The minister also disclosed that the international community was most supportive during the period, saying the British Prime Minister, David Cameron, sent a personal message of solidarity.
She also expressed gratitude to the United Nations (UN) Secretary General, Ban Ki- Moon; the United States’ Embassy; both present and past World Bank presidents as well as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director, Christine Lagarde, among others
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