Donald Duke, former Governor of Cross River State, says Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s left Nigeria poorer than she met it when she served as Goodluck Jonathan’s Minister of Finance.

Duke, who is also running for President, said this in reaction to Okonjo-Iweala’s revelation that he had advised her not to accept the appointment of finance minister in order to make Jonathan’s government “weak and not succeed”.

He admitted that he actually met with Okonjo-Iweala in the US but had only advised her to be cautious while considering the appointment, given that she was “literally dismissed from an earlier appointment as finance minister”.

“It is true I met with Ngozi when the rumors were swirling about her being considered for appointment,” Duke explained.

“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 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.”