Edo State Government has denied reports that it was one of the states that went to the Supreme Court to challenge the Federal Government over the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF).

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Mr. Peter Okhiria, the state said it was never part of any meeting where it was decided that governors would go to court over the issue.

The statement read in part: "Our attention has been drawn to a report widely carried by newspapers on Tuesday (October 25, 2011) purporting that some states in the Federation including Edo States had gone to the Supreme Court to challenge the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF).

"To put the record straight, Edo State Government wishes to state that at no time was it part of a meeting where that decision was taken to go to court over SWF. Nor did it authorise any lawyer to file such brief on its behalf.

"The truth of the matter is that Edo State Government and other states have been involved in dialogue with the Federal Govern-ment towards resolving the matter. Also, it is true that Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, was consulted before the sum of $1 billion was committed to open the SWF by the Federal Government.

"The last meeting called by President Goodluck Jonathan and attended by Governors over SWF was not conclusive. It was agreed that discussion would continue at the next meeting.

"The Edo State Government wishes to say that it remains committed to the ongoing conversation to resolve the matter."