Dr Chimaroke Nnamani, a former governor of Enugu, has denied the claim that $41.8 million grew wings under him.
In a statement released in Abuja, Nnamani claimed: "As Governor, I never encountered or inherited the sum of $41.8 million. From 1999 to 2007, Enugu State had no $41.8 million to pilfer or steal.
The accusation, according to him, "is at best beer parlour gossip because nothing like such happened under my watch as Governor of Enugu State," he said of it.
The Enugu East Senator added: “I maintain a residence in America and just came back after five weeks. The FBI is not looking for me and no assets of mine have ever been seized in the United States.”
He explained that what his accusers were quoting was a mere complaint to the Department of Justice associated with usual Interim Forfeiture after such complaints adding “the Interim Forfeiture was discharged after Investigation and Judicial Review”.
He told his accusers to do something positive because accusing him falsely will not add value to anyone.
He said: “If my recent political activities make some people uncomfortable, they should know that democracy is a matter of choice.
“It is an open field, you choose your lane to play. Everyone has a choice, I deserve the right to choose my lane. I do not expect people to infringe on my right of choice.”
Nnamani advised that the politics of 2023 should be played with every sense of responsibility and loyalty to the nation without bitterness, pointing out that “all we strive for is a better Nigeria.”