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Former Governor of Cross River state has fired back at ex-Minister of Finance, Okonjo Iweala over her claims contained in her recently published book, ‘Fighting Corruption is Dangerous: The Story Behind the Headlines’. Okonjo-Iweala had revealed in the book that Duke asked her not to serve in President Goodluck Jonathan’s government in 2011, so as to deny the administration the credibility it desired.

She also said the former Governor's reason was to ensure that the government failed.


The book further revealed that the former governor had told the author in Washington that the advised was from 'a group of concerned people' in the country.


Okonjo-Iweala who had previously served in that capacity under the Olusegun Obasanjo's Administration said she blatantly turned down the advised.


Reacting angrily to the claim, Duke admitted meeting her when the rumors were swirling about her being considered for appointment. He however said he only urged caution, having been literally dismissed from the same position. He went further to accuse her of leaving the economy in the worst state. His response posted on twitter read


"It is 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 f1nance minister, I urged caution.


"I made no mention of adding or subtracting credibility to anyone or government. 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. With hindsight, I was vindicated, Ngozi, as Minister of Finance and Economy, despite massive revenue receipts, left Nigeria poorer than she met it."

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