Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has lauded the arrest and detention of former Delta Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, saying “it is a positive step in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against corruption”.
“Okowa’s arrest signifies the administration’s dedication to tackling financial mismanagement and corruption at both state and federal levels,” the party further said.
This was made known in a statement signed by Delta APC State Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri on Tuesday.
The PUNCH reports that Okowa, who served as the Governor of Delta State from 2015 to 2023, was on Monday arrested and detained by operatives of the EFCC over the alleged diversion of N1.3tn derivation fund.
The N1.3trn amounted to a 13 per cent derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.
The erstwhile Delta governor was said to be at the EFCC office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, following the invitation of the investigators probing the allegations against him, when he was subsequently nabbed and slammed with charges relating to alleged financial misconduct involving state funds and questionable contracts awarded during his time in office.
The party, in its statement, commended the Federal Government for its decisive action, urging the EFCC to continue its investigation into the financial dealings of other former governors and public officials.
Delta APC emphasised that Okowa’s arrest reflects a broader agenda “to curb corruption, promote transparency, and ensure that public funds benefit the citizens rather than serving personal interests”.
The statement partly read, “We in the APC wholeheartedly welcome the arrest of former Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, who oversaw one of the most concerning cases of financial mismanagement during his eight-year tenure.
“His administration allegedly funnelled significant state resources into personal ventures, including establishing a bank, financing a failed presidential ambition, and supporting the controversial imposition of a successor.
“The arrest serves as a caution to all public officeholders, affirming that the era of impunity is over and that no one, irrespective of position or political affiliation, is above the law.
“The fight against corruption must be thorough and unwavering, and we commend the administration’s efforts in this regard.”
The statement continued, “The legacy of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration is a high debt profile resulting from a reckless borrowing spree, which earned him the notorious nickname of ‘Borrow Borrow Governor’.
“During his eight years in office, Delta State has little to show for the vast federal allocations received.
The few substandard roads he constructed, often hailed as the ‘roadmaster,’ have deteriorated rapidly.”