By THE former Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has denied any wrongdoing related to his time in office, following a recent summons by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Okowa has stated unequivocally that he has “nothing to hide” concerning his eight-year tenure, countering claims that have surfaced since his EFCC invitation.
EFCC-operatives
In a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Olisa Ifeajika, nine days after his detention and release, Okowa suggested that his appearance before the EFCC had been sensationalised by unnamed political figures in Delta State with an eye on the 2027 elections.
The statement explained that Okowa, upon his return from a holiday, promptly attended the EFCC office in Port Harcourt, emphasising his openness and transparency.
Okowa addressed allegations of embezzling N1.3 trillion, describing the claim as implausible and unsubstantiated, given his administration’s extensive projects and financial records.
Additionally, Okowa, who ran as the vice-presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 presidential election, criticised the media’s coverage of his EFCC visit.
Dr Ifeanyi Okowa
According to Ifeajika, “the media reports and commentaries have been mostly sensational, mischievous, and gross distortions of the facts of the matter.”
The statement went on to say, “The EFCC has not established any case against Dr Okowa. He was invited as part of the agency’s procedure following certain petitions filed by disgruntled individuals.”
Allegations raised include accusations of personal enrichment using state funds to acquire an 80 per cent stake in Premium Trust Bank, and the misuse of public funds for real estate in Asaba and Abuja.
The statement noted that Okowa “cleared himself of these allegations” and clarified that the estate in Abuja belongs to a well-known public figure.
The former governor also owns only a private house in Asaba, in a residential estate alongside other homeowners, according to the statement.
Similarly, the statement said that the hotels in Asaba cited in the allegations are owned by known individuals, and Okowa has no financial stake in Premium Trust Bank.
“These facts are easily verifiable with the Corporate Affairs Commission and under the Freedom of Information Act,” the statement added.
Dismissing the claims of a diversion of N1.3 trillion in oil revenue as “ludicrous and outlandish,” Okowa said similar accusations were levelled at him while he was in office.
The statement called the allegations “a rehash of spurious claims” pushed by “malicious, myopic, vindictive, and prejudiced” parties through a targeted media campaign.
Okowa questioned how his administration could have embezzled N1.3 trillion, which would have required siphoning an average of N16 billion monthly, thereby bankrupting the state.
“Such a scenario would have meant no funds for government operations or paying nearly 50,000 state employees,” he added.
He referenced Delta’s audited reports, showing total revenue of N2.65 trillion during his tenure, with N628.5 billion allocated to salaries and N141.22 billion for pensions.
Other allocations included N489.83 billion for overhead costs and N107.88 billion for grants, alongside N221.2 billion directed to DESOPADEC, a state agency.
The statement highlighted Okowa’s achievements, including constructing over 2,000 kilometres of roads, building three universities, and establishing youth entrepreneurship programmes.
Due to these initiatives, Delta State was named Best State in Human Capital Development by Nigeria’s National Competitiveness Council in 2017.
In response to allegations surrounding Delta’s investment in the Floating Liquified Natural Gas project with UTM, Okowa dismissed these claims as “laughable and disingenuous.”
According to the statement, Delta invested N42.05 billion in UTM’s project, which has since appreciated to a value of N190.85 billion.
“The authenticity of the project is confirmed by a Shareholders’ Agreement signed with UTM and NNPC on December 19, 2023,” Okowa added.
Okowa underscored his commitment to fiscal discipline and transparent governance during his administration, as evidenced by World Bank awards Delta State received.
He reiterated, “Dr Okowa has nothing to hide,” affirming his reputation for prudent resource management and strong service delivery as governor.
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