Nnamani denies stealing $41.8m from Enugu State
Enugu East Senator Chimaroke Nnamani has denied reports that he stole $41.8 million from Enugu State government coffers during his tenure as governor between 1999 and 2007.
Mr. Nnamani described the reports as a ruse and fake news aimed at slandering him "due to his alternative views on recent political developments in the country".
His comment was contained in a statement he signed on Tuesday.
The lawmaker was responding to a report that said he looted $41.8 million while serving as governor of Enugu State.
According to the report, a statement from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) revealed that he used the stolen funds to acquire luxury assets in Florida.
The FBI, in the statement, said Mr. Nnamani's official salary as governor at the time was $10,670 a year, making it unlikely that he had an adequate source of income legitimate to justify the purchase of the real estate he acquired in Florida.< /p>
In his statement, Mr Nnamani, who has recently been vocal on social media - particularly against supporters of opposition parties - said the allegation was a campaign of slander, intimidation, insults and orchestrated abuse to suppress and diminish his voice.
“However, my voice will become louder and more persistent,” he said. "I know that my recent position will attract this attack from those who cannot tolerate other points of view. Democracy allows for alternative points of view. If I cannot express my opinion and take a stand, who will he said.
Such a judgment did not exist anywhere, he argued.
He added that he left Enugu State on solid ground 15 years ago and no slander can rewrite history.
He therefore urged Nigerians to ignore the report “sponsored by political enemies and professional blackmailers”.
The senator, a member of the PDP, was recently named a member of the ruling All Progressives Congressional Presidential Campaign Council – an announcement that sparked controversy.
The APC defended its inclusion in the Council. The party said while he may not have been in the field with a PDP senatorial candidate in Enugu East, his presence indicates he may have chosen to provide 'moral support' to his former friend and brother, Bola Tinubu.
Mr. Nnamani has yet to speak about his inclusion in the APC campaign council, however.
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Enugu East Senator Chimaroke Nnamani has denied reports that he stole $41.8 million from Enugu State government coffers during his tenure as governor between 1999 and 2007.
Mr. Nnamani described the reports as a ruse and fake news aimed at slandering him "due to his alternative views on recent political developments in the country".
His comment was contained in a statement he signed on Tuesday.
The lawmaker was responding to a report that said he looted $41.8 million while serving as governor of Enugu State.
According to the report, a statement from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) revealed that he used the stolen funds to acquire luxury assets in Florida.
The FBI, in the statement, said Mr. Nnamani's official salary as governor at the time was $10,670 a year, making it unlikely that he had an adequate source of income legitimate to justify the purchase of the real estate he acquired in Florida.< /p>
In his statement, Mr Nnamani, who has recently been vocal on social media - particularly against supporters of opposition parties - said the allegation was a campaign of slander, intimidation, insults and orchestrated abuse to suppress and diminish his voice.
“However, my voice will become louder and more persistent,” he said. "I know that my recent position will attract this attack from those who cannot tolerate other points of view. Democracy allows for alternative points of view. If I cannot express my opinion and take a stand, who will he said.
Such a judgment did not exist anywhere, he argued.
He added that he left Enugu State on solid ground 15 years ago and no slander can rewrite history.
He therefore urged Nigerians to ignore the report “sponsored by political enemies and professional blackmailers”.
The senator, a member of the PDP, was recently named a member of the ruling All Progressives Congressional Presidential Campaign Council – an announcement that sparked controversy.
The APC defended its inclusion in the Council. The party said while he may not have been in the field with a PDP senatorial candidate in Enugu East, his presence indicates he may have chosen to provide 'moral support' to his former friend and brother, Bola Tinubu.
Mr. Nnamani has yet to speak about his inclusion in the APC campaign council, however.
Support the integrity and credibility journalism of PREMIUM TIMES Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy and a transparent government. For free and continued access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider providing modest support to this noble endeavour. By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help sustain relevant journalism and keep it free and accessible to everyone.Donate
[embedded content]TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT: Call Willie - +2348098788999
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