Ben Nuvamsa, a former chairman of the Hopi Tribe of Arizona, says a lawsuit over alleged bad investments is bogus.

The tribe is seeking nearly $190 million from Wachovia bank and two investment advisors. But Nuvamsa says the tribe actually made money with their advice.

“This was during the economic downturn, during which we actually made a lot of money," Nuvamsa told El Paso Inc.

Nuvamsa said the suit was filed to deflect criticism over spending by incumbent Chairman LeRoy Shingoitewa and the tribal council. He said he might run for chairman in 2014.

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