EFCC probe: Okowa has nothing to hide, says aide 

Olisa Ifeajika, former chief press secretary to Ifeanyi Okowa, says the ex-governor of Delta did not divert public funds.

Last week, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested Okowa over an alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion during his eight-year spell as governor of the south-south state.

The former governor was also said to have used public funds to acquire properties in Asaba, the capital of Delta, and Abuja.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ifeajika said the claims are “gross misrepresentations and distortions of the facts”.

Ifeajika said the allegations against Okowa are a “campaign of calumny at the behest of unscrupulous politicians who see him as the biggest threat to their 2027 political aspirations”.

He said the EFCC is yet to establish a case against Okowa.

“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 statement reads.

“The substance of the petitions was that Dr Okowa allegedly corruptly enriched himself and used state resources to acquire an 80% 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 home owners.

“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.

“The allegation that the former Governor allegedly diverted N1.3 trillion oil derivation funds is as ludicrous as it is outlandish.

“This is just a rehash of the same spurious allegations that some malicious, myopic, vindictive, and prejudiced persons concocted while Governor Okowa was still in office.”

Ifeajika said Okowa “has nothing to hide”, adding that he governed the state with “fiscal discipline, prudent management of resources, and excellent service delivery”.

“Dr Okowa is a man of unassailable integrity and we welcome any honest attempt to investigate his eight-year tenure as we believe it will vindicate his exemplary stewardship of the state,” he said.