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The controversy trailing the arrest of former Governor of Delta State Ifeanyi Okowa has been on the front burner in the state, sparking calls from the ruling party and others for investigation of former state governors,
The arrest of Ifeanyi Okowa, the immediate past Governor of Delta State, by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission still baffles the state’s residents, especially the political folks, who feel he should have been left off the hook by the anti-graft agency considering his achievements during his eight-year reign.
Operatives of the commission penultimate Monday arrested Okowa over an alleged diversion of N1.3tn.
The N1.3tn reportedly represents the 13 per cent derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.
According to sources within the commission, Okowa was at the EFCC office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he was subsequently detained by officials.
One of the sources told The PUNCH immediately after the ex-governor’s arrest, “Okowa was at our Port Harcourt office following an invitation from investigators probing the allegations against him. He was then arrested. The commission is investigating him regarding the N1.3tn 13 per cent derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.
“He is also accused of failing to account for the funds, as well as another N40bn he allegedly claimed was used to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas. He reportedly bought shares worth N40bn in one of the country’s major banks, representing an eight per cent equity stake, to support the offshore LNG project. The funds are alleged to have been misappropriated for other purposes.
“Investigators are also examining the alleged diversion of funds by the former governor to acquire estates in Abuja and Asaba, Delta State.”
These days, discussions are often centred on the arrest and release of the politician at places such as bars, ministries, government agencies, and other gatherings in the state capital, Asaba.
Following work resumption on Monday, it was the lead topic as workers sought to know the whereabouts of their former governor and what had happened over the weekend.
The questions begging for answers were many: “Is Okowa still under EFCC? Has Okowa out from EFCC custody?”, “Who are the people behind his detention?” among others.
When the news of Okowa’s arrest broke, key state government officials, especially those who served under him, went into hiding as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori broke the silence.
Oborevwori, who spoke through one of his aides, Director General, Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Latimore Oghenesivbe, said Okowa was innocent until proven guilty.
He said, “On behalf of the government, I urge Deltans to pray for Okowa at this trying time. Okowa is innocent until proven guilty. The arrest of former governor Okowa by EFCC does not in any way fracture his enviable reputation.
“EFCC usually invites suspects based on criminal allegations, which may be true or false, and the law recognises the innocence of all accused persons until proven otherwise
“The news of former governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa’s arrest by EFCC is trending based on reports by a section of the traditional media.
“There is no cause for alarm. It is an established procedure in criminal matters to have a suspect arrested based on allegations in form of a petition to the commission.
“Arrest is not a proof of guilt, and not a judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction. The allegations shall be tested in court or courts as the need arises. It’s important for us to keep our fingers crossed.”
Our correspondent gathered that Okowa was released Friday night after spending five days in the custody of EFCC.
Expectedly, the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress lauded the arrest and detention of Okowa, saying “it is a positive step in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against corruption.”
The party further stated that Okowa’s arrest signified the administration’s dedication to tackling financial mismanagement and corruption at both state and federal levels.
The APC state Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, commended the Federal Government for its decisive action, urging the EFCC to continue its investigation into the financial dealings of other former governors and public officials.
The Delta APC emphasised that Okowa’s arrest reflected a broader agenda “to curb corruption, promote transparency and ensure that public funds benefit the citizens rather than serving personal interests.”
The statement further read, “We in the APC wholeheartedly welcome the arrest of former Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, who oversaw one of the most concerning cases of financial mismanagement during his eight-year tenure.
“His administration allegedly funnelled significant state resources into personal ventures, including establishing a bank, financing a failed presidential ambition, and supporting the controversial imposition of a successor.
“The arrest serves as a caution to all public officeholders, the era of impunity is over and that no one, irrespective of position or political affiliation, is above the law.”
It added, “The fight against corruption must be thorough and unwavering, and we commend the administration’s efforts in this regard.
“The legacy of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration is a high debt profile resulting from a reckless borrowing spree, which earned him the notorious nickname of ‘Borrow Borrow Governor.’
“During his eight years in office, Delta State has little to show for the vast federal allocations received. The few substandard roads he constructed, often hailed as the ‘road master,’ have deteriorated rapidly.”
But Chief Press Secretary to Okowa from 2019 to 2023, Olisa Ifeajika, stated that the EFCC did not establish any case against Okowa.
Ifeajika, the Executive Assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies), in a statement on Wednesday, said the former governor was only invited to answer questions relating to petitions filed against him.
“The fact of the matter, the first point that needs to be made is that the EFCC has not established any case against Dr Okowa. As is customary with the anti-graft agency, the former governor was invited to answer questions relating to some petitions that were filed against him by some disgruntled elements.
“Upon his return from vacation, and as a man with a clear conscience, Dr Okowa proceeded to the EFCC office in Port Harcourt as requested. The substance of the petition was that Dr Okowa allegedly corruptly enriched himself and used state resources to acquire 80 per cent stake in Premium Trust Bank. He was also alleged to have diverted state resources to build housing estates in Asaba and Abuja and two hotels in Asaba for himself.
“Governor Okowa cleared himself of those allegations as the estate in Abuja is owned by a public figure. The ex-governor lives in his own private house in an estate in Asaba that is occupied by other residents, who are homeowners,” Ifeajika stated.
“Similarly, the owners of the hotels in Asaba are persons known to the public and the EFCC, while Okowa has zero financial interest in Premium Trust Bank. These are facts that are easily verifiable from the Corporate Affairs Commission and by virtue of the Freedom of Information Act.
