Following the allegations of funds diversion by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the former Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, has said that he has nothing to hide as such will not stop the EFCC from probing him.
The EFCC is probing Okowa, a two-term governor of Delta state, over an alleged diversion of the sum of N1.3 trillion.
Speaking 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 described the allegations made against him as “malicious and politically-motivated,” noting that some individuals were attempting to distort facts to serve their interests.
He also dismissed accusations of misappropriating the money as unintelligent lies, stressing it would be difficult to take such money from the state fund.
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 vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 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.”
