Former coordinating minister of the economy and minister of finance under Goodluck Jonathan administration, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has said she has no hand in the arms purchase deals facilitated by the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.
Nkwonjo-Iweala dismissed the allegations by the Edo state governor, Adams Oshiomhole who accused her of participating in the deal, calling the Federal Government to call the governor to order.
The Federal Government is currently investigating the arms purchase deal and many prominent persons were arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. President Muhammadu Buhari ordered for Dasuki’s arrest on November 17, after a military investigative panel report indicted him in the $2 billion arms scandal.
The former coordinating minister said in a statement yesterday signed by her Media Adviser, Paul Nwabuikwu that it is an abuse of public office, judicial process and her human rights for Governor Oshiomhole whom she stopped from taking a highly suspicious N15 billion loan to make false allegations against her while hiding behind the constitutional immunity granted state governors.
She said that it is unconscionable for the Governor to embark on a ‘campaign of lies’ against her because she thwarted his dubious loan request.
She described the governor’s unsubstantiated allegations as a cynical personalization of the anti-corruption campaign to achieve ignoble objectives.
Dr Okonjo-Iweala therefore put Oshiomhole and his ilk on notice that she has briefed her lawyers and that she is ready to explore all legal means, local and international, to defend her name.
“It has become a pattern of behavior that each time Dr. Ngozi OKonjo-Iweala is internationally recognized, Governor Oshiomole and his cohorts embark on a cynical and devious ploy of trying to pull her down locally. Just last night, December 1st, Dr Okonjo-Iweala was honored at a high profile event attended by Vice President Joe Biden and former President Bill Clinton. Dr Okonjo Iweala was honored alongside Michael Bloomberg, Bill and Melinda Gates and Mo Ibrahim for their contributions to global development and humanity,” the statement said, adding, “Gov Oshiomole and his cohorts should realize that their ill-motivated attempts to taint Dr Okonjo Iweala’s reputation will never succeed!”
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