Former Senate President, David Mark has denied the allegations levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), asking him to explain the whereabouts of the over ₦5.4billion slush cash and campaign funds allegedly traced to him.

According to the EFCC, Mark is expected to account for ₦550 million which is part of the $2.1billion controversial arms procurement cash as well as respond to serious issues raised in the Panama Papers which linked him to some shell firms.

Senator Mark in a statement issued by his Media Assistant, Paul Mumeh on Sunday faulted the anti-graft agency, claiming that he kept a clean record during his time as a public officer.

The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to media reports wherein it was reported that former president of the Senate David Mark was quizzed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over some alleged financial transactions.

“To set the records straight, Senator Mark was invited by the EFCC via a letter addressed to the National Assembly to answer questions on the 2015 presidential election campaign funds as it concerned Benue State. As a law abiding citizen, Sen. Mark honoured the invitation.

“Curiously, they also alleged that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) paid over ₦2billion into the National Assembly’s account which he, as the then President of the Senate, allegedly shared among the 109 Senators (including PDP, ACN, and ANPP) in 2010. Again, to the best of his knowledge, Sen. Mark is not aware of such transaction.

“This simply did not make sense to any right thinking member of the society. Sen. Mark wondered why anybody would think that the PDP will pay money into National Assembly account. He however, clarified all the issues raised before retiring home.

“Sen. Mark believes in due process and rule of law. He has maintained a clean record of public service over the years and will continue to uphold the highest standard of conduct expected of public servants.”

The statement added that Senator Mark, who requested to be allowed to go home to Oturkpo, Benue State after the EFCC grilling to fetch documents that would clear him of the allegations, called on his supporters, friends and associates to remain calm and see his current travails as a price he had to pay for leadership.