Donald Duke, a former governor of Cross River State, has fired back at former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on her claims that he tried to stop her from joining the Goodluck Jonathan administration to deny Jonathan’s government credibility, “weak and not succeed”.
Duke took to his Twitter handle, @Donald_Duke, on Wednesday morning to react to the allegation by the former coordinator of the Nigerian economy.
Okonjo-Iweala had in a new book titled ‘Fighting corruption is dangerous’ revealed that Duke visited her in Washington DC, USA and asked her not to accept an appointment from Goodluck Jonathan who had just become President in 2011.
He confirmed meeting with Okonjo-Iweala but said it was in good faith and wondered why a private conversation between “friends” has now been made public.
It’s true I met with Ngozi when the rumors were swirling about her being considered for appointment. As “friends”, she having been literally dismissed from an earlier appointment as finance minister, I urged caution. I made no mention of adding or subtracting credibility to….
— Donald Duke (@Donald_Duke) April 25, 2018
..to anyone or govt. It was “two friends” discussing careers. It ended there and she subsequently made her choice which I respected. However, I think it is in poor taste and demeaning of her to report a private conversation in whatever self laundering attempt she may be up to.
— Donald Duke (@Donald_Duke) April 25, 2018
With hindsight, I was vindicated, Ngozi, as Minister of Finance and Economy, despite massive revenue receipts, left Nigeria poorer than she met it.
— Donald Duke (@Donald_Duke) April 25, 2018
Dear Nigerian Youths.. Thank you for your comcerns . Attached is my response regarding Ngozi’s… pic.twitter.com/IbQi75q7t5
— Donald Duke (@Donald_Duke) April 25, 2018
Duke is considered one of the leading candidates to run for president in the 2019 Nigerian elections.
.new telegraph