Former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has defended his clean record, dismissing allegations of financial mismanagement by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Okowa was responding publicly to the ongoing investigation during a visit from the national leadership of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), led by Chief Ese Owe, at his residence in Asaba on Tuesday.
Okowa, who had recently honored an EFCC invitation, said he was not worried by the inquiry, asserting that he would be cleared of any wrongdoing.
He strongly rejected claims that he misappropriated N1.3 trillion in oil derivation funds during his tenure as governor, calling the accusation “preposterous” and “puerile.”
“I don’t know if the President of this country would be able to do that, let alone the governor of Delta State,” Okowa said, referring to the size of the alleged misappropriation.
He pointed out that taking N1.3 trillion would have required siphoning between N16 billion and N20 billion every month, a feat he argued was implausible, particularly for a state like Delta.
The former governor also highlighted the challenges his administration faced in its early years, noting that the state’s revenue was insufficient to meet basic obligations such as salary payments.
“Some local governments, like Ethiope East, were owing up to 15 months of salaries, and in the state, some workers were receiving half salaries,” Okowa recalled.
He emphasized that despite these financial difficulties, his administration succeeded in making Delta the highest salary-paying state in the country, with salaries and pensions rising to over N11 billion monthly by the end of his tenure.
Okowa also addressed the political motivations behind the EFCC petition, suggesting that the investigation was part of a broader political scheme.
“It was a petition written several months ago, but unfortunately, with the politics of our time, some people decided to ensure that Okowa must be invited by the EFCC,” he explained.
“I believe some people are genuinely uncomfortable about my success and the progress we made in Delta.”
Despite the ongoing investigation, Okowa made it clear that he was not opposed to the EFCC carrying out its duties.
“I have done everything as it ought to be done,” he said, expressing his confidence that once the truth is established, the investigation will conclude. Okowa also called for forgiveness for those behind the false allegations, urging them to reflect on their actions.
During the visit, Okowa also reaffirmed his support for the current governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, who was elected with the backing of the UPU. Okowa expressed optimism about Oborevwori’s leadership, stating, “By the special grace of God, Governor Oborevwori is beginning to do a lot, and I believe that by next year, he will do even more.”
Okowa also took the opportunity to thank the UPU for its unwavering support during his time in office and beyond.
“I thank the UPU and the Urhobos for their consistent support,” he said, noting that he had received more votes from the UPU than any of his opponents, including those from his own party.