The former president of [tag]Enron Corp[/tag], [tag]Jeffrey Skilling[/tag], has taken the witness stand in his own defense Monday. He said, “I am absolutely innocent.” His testimony included a narrative on the company’s growth and quality of employees, and he declared that he never told any subordinates to lie or manipulate the financial statements.

Skilling is facing 28 counts of [tag]conspiracy[/tag], [tag]fraud[/tag], and [tag]insider trading[/tag]. Also on trial with him is former chairman of Enron, [tag]Kenneth Lay[/tag], who faces 6 criminal counts.