Minister of Finance Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala yesterday denied reports by an online medium saying that she bought a N1.2 billion mansion in Maitama, Abuja.
In a statement signed by her Senior Special Assistant, Paul C. Nwabuikwu, the minister said that the news was simply the latest in a well financed smear campaign against her "by persons and groups whose interests are profoundly selfish and anti-Nigeria." The statement reads thus: "It has been brought to our attention that an online news website, Pointblanknews.com has just published a story alleging that Ngozi, who is also the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, has purchased a property worth N1.2billion in Maitama, Abuja."
According to the website, the minister paid for the property in November 2011, she said. Iweala said that "the story is totally false and without foundation. The minister has no interest of any sort in the property in question."
DailyTrust