After being detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the former governor of Delta State, has come forward to reject accusations of corruption leveled against him.
The EFCC claims Okowa exploited state funds for personal gain, including acquiring a majority stake in Premium Trust Bank and constructing luxury properties in Asaba and Abuja. However, Okowa, emphasizing transparency, insists he has conducted himself honorably and is prepared to face any inquiry to clear his name. Supporters argue the charges are politically motivated, intended to tarnish his legacy and derail his future ambitions.
In a press release titled “Okowa and EFCC: The Facts, The Fiction and The Fairy Tale,” issued yesterday by his media aide, Olisa Ifeajika, Okowa defended his tenure as Delta State governor from 2015 to 2023. He claimed his administration was characterized by fiscal discipline, prudent resource management, and excellent service delivery.
Highlighting the achievements of his tenure, the statement pointed out that Delta State received World Bank awards for Overall State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability Programme achievements. It also commended the state for Fiscal Transparency and Accountability, Efficiency of Public Expenditure, and Debt Sustainability. “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,” the statement emphasized.
The former governor’s camp attributed the EFCC allegations and ensuing media attention to a politically motivated smear campaign. According to the statement, “Unscrupulous politicians who see Okowa as the biggest threat to their 2027 political aspirations are behind this campaign of calumny. Instead of spreading lies and propaganda, these individuals should focus on earning the trust and confidence of the people, as true power lies with the electorate.”
Okowa’s media team also criticized certain media outlets for their coverage of his arrest, accusing them of deviating from journalistic standards by promoting “outright lies, wild conjectures, and unverifiable claims” to incite public opinion against the former governor. The statement called on journalists to uphold professional ethics, urging them not to be manipulated by political actors seeking to foment crises and promote hatred.
Dr. Okowa, who was the vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, maintains that he has done nothing wrong and is prepared to cooperate fully with the EFCC’s investigations to clear his name.
