Former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has stated that he is not afraid of any investigation and will not obstruct the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from probing him.
According to reports, the EFCC is investigating Okowa, who served two terms as governor, over an alleged diversion of ₦1.3 trillion.
During a solidarity visit by the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, led by Maj.-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (retd.), the Orodje of Okpe, to his residence in Asaba on Thursday, Okowa dismissed the allegations as “malicious and politically motivated,” accusing certain individuals of distorting facts for their personal gain.
He further described the accusations of misappropriation as baseless and unintelligent, emphasizing that it would be nearly impossible to divert such an amount from the state’s funds.
He said, “In politics, there are many things one must face, but it’s unfortunate when baseless accusations are presented to the media.
“To claim that someone could misappropriate such an amount implies that they would need to take N16 to N20 billion monthly for 96 months. This is not just unreasonable; it’s a deliberate attempt to mislead.”
Regarding his recent EFCC inquiry, Okowa, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vice presidential candidate during the 2023 general elections, said there is no need to stop the anti-graft agency from carrying out its investigation.
He added, “I am not afraid of any investigation and will not stop the EFCC from carrying out its duties. Unlike others who seek court orders to obstruct investigations, I believe in transparency. However, the public deserves accurate information, not fabrications by certain individuals.
“The information presented in the petition differs vastly from the facts, and I am sure the investigators have seen through the lies. I know the sources of these attacks, but they won’t deter me. I served Delta State with the support of our people and leaders like you, and we achieved significant progress,” he told the visiting traditional rulers.”
