Politics
N1.3tn Fraud: Okowa’s Detention Provokes Calls For Probe of Ex-Governors
The controversy trailing the arrest of former Governor of Delta State Ifeanyi Okowa has been on the front burner in the state, sparking calls from the ruling party and others for investigation of former state governors.
The arrest of Ifeanyi Okowa, the immediate past Governor of Delta State, by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission still baffles the state’s residents, especially the political folks, who feel he should have been left off the hook by the anti-graft agency considering his achievements during his eight-year reign.
Operatives of the commission penultimate Monday arrested Okowa over an alleged diversion of N1.3tn.
The N1.3tn reportedly represents the 13 per cent derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.
According to sources within the commission, Okowa was at the EFCC office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he was subsequently detained by officials.
One of the sources told The PUNCH immediately after the ex-governor’s arrest, “Okowa was at our Port Harcourt office following an invitation from investigators probing the allegations against him. He was then arrested. The commission is investigating him regarding the N1.3tn 13 per cent derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.
“He is also accused of failing to account for the funds, as well as another N40bn he allegedly claimed was used to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas. He reportedly bought shares worth N40bn in one of the country’s major banks, representing an eight per cent equity stake, to support the offshore LNG project. The funds are alleged to have been misappropriated for other purposes.
“Investigators are also examining the alleged diversion of funds by the former governor to acquire estates in Abuja and Asaba, Delta State.”
These days, discussions are often centred on the arrest and release of the politician at places such as bars, ministries, government agencies, and other gatherings in the state capital, Asaba.
Following work resumption on Monday, it was the lead topic as workers sought to know the whereabouts of their former governor and what had happened over the weekend.
The questions begging for answers were many: “Is Okowa still under EFCC? Has Okowa out from EFCC custody?”, “Who are the people behind his detention?” among others.
When the news of Okowa’s arrest broke, key state government officials, especially those who served under him, went into hiding as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori broke the silence.
Oborevwori, who spoke through one of his aides, Director General, Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Latimore Oghenesivbe, said Okowa was innocent until proven guilty.
He said, “On behalf of the government, I urge Deltans to pray for Okowa at this trying time. Okowa is innocent until proven guilty. The arrest of former governor Okowa by EFCC does not in any way fracture his enviable reputation.
“EFCC usually invites suspects based on criminal allegations, which may be true or false, and the law recognises the innocence of all accused persons until proven otherwise
“The news of former governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa’s arrest by EFCC is trending based on reports by a section of the traditional media.
“There is no cause for alarm. It is an established procedure in criminal matters to have a suspect arrested based on allegations in form of a petition to the commission.
“Arrest is not a proof of guilt, and not a judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction. The allegations shall be tested in court or courts as the need arises. It’s important for us to keep our fingers crossed.”
Our correspondent gathered that Okowa was released Friday night after spending five days in the custody of EFCC.
Expectedly, the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress lauded the arrest and detention of Okowa, saying “it is a positive step in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against corruption.”
The party further stated that Okowa’s arrest signified the administration’s dedication to tackling financial mismanagement and corruption at both state and federal levels.
The APC state Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, 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.
The Delta APC emphasised that Okowa’s arrest reflected a broader agenda “to curb corruption, promote transparency and ensure that public funds benefit the citizens rather than serving personal interests.”
The statement further 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, the era of impunity is over and that no one, irrespective of position or political affiliation, is above the law.”
It added, “The fight against corruption must be thorough and unwavering, and we commend the administration’s efforts in this regard.
“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 ‘road master,’ have deteriorated rapidly.”
But Chief Press Secretary to Okowa from 2019 to 2023, Olisa Ifeajika, stated that the EFCC did not establish any case against Okowa.
Ifeajika, the Executive Assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies), in a statement on Wednesday, said the former governor was only invited to answer questions relating to petitions filed against him.
“The fact of the matter, the first point that needs to be made is that the EFCC has not established any case against Dr Okowa. As is customary with the anti-graft agency, 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 substance of the petition was that Dr Okowa allegedly corruptly enriched himself and used state resources to acquire 80 per cent 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 homeowners,” Ifeajika stated.
“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 N1.3tn 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 Okowa was still in office.”
Nevertheless, a rights activist in Delta State, Anthony Asakitikpi, commended EFCC for its swift arrest of the former governor.
Asakitikpi, who is the South South zonal acting Chairman of Huride, told The PUNCH that all looters of Delta State treasury must be brought to book.
“I sincerely appreciate and commend EFCC for its swift arrest of the former Governor of Delta state, Ifeanyi Okowa. All enemies of Delta people must be brought to book. Okowa is another case study.
“It may also interest you to know that the said Okowa plunged Delta State into huge amount of debts trying to please Atiku during his presidential campaign.
“No tangible evidence of all the money borrowed in the name of Delta state. As it stands, Delta state is still paying for the sins they didn’t commit.
“A situation where public funds are being diverted for personal interest is becoming too alarming. Based on these facts, I hereby call on the EFCC to prosecute Okowa to account for all the borrowed money in the name of Delta State, and to refund same back to Delta State coffers and be made to face the full wrath of the law. We say no to treasury looters.”
Also, another human rights activist, Jude Ojiugo-Onochie, who described Okowa’s arrest as selective, urged EFCC to extend the investigation to other past governors.
“I’m not against the arrest of Okowa, but they should stop selective arrests. Information we are getting is that he was released on Friday. It’s against human rights for EFCC to hold him for five days.”
As has been the case recently, Delta people are watching how Okowa will dance to the anti- corruption music played by the EFCC.
A political and social analyst, Peter Legacy, said, “That Okowa is passing through the investigation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, shouldn’t be an emotional situation in Delta state polity
“I believe in institutions and rule of law. Misappropriation is the bone of contention. The law that established DESOPADEC was specific about financing, remittance and funding.
“By admittance of Dr Okowa’s government, there was obvious misappropriation of funds for expedient reasons. But that doesn’t make up for the principle of misappropriation. If N1m was supposed to go to DESOPADEC by law, the N1m that was supposed to go to DESOPADEC shouldn’t go to Capital Territory Development Agency.
“We have to imbibe the culture of respect for laws and institutions. Let the investigation run its course, if the ex-governor is innocent, we will find out eventually,” he said.
Also, two human rights organisations, Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum and International Human Rights Commission, faulted the detention of Okowa by the EFCC, describing him as a victim of politics.
The chairman of Anti-corruption and Integrity Forum and Board member of IHRC, Prince Kpokpogri, at a press conference in Abuja, queried the mode of operation of the EFCC.
According to him, Okowa ought to be commended for exhibiting maturity unlike a former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, who has defied the EFCC and resisted every attempt to be arrested and arraigned.
He said, “On Monday, October 4, 2024 the news space went agog over the alleged arrest and detention of former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for allegedly embezzling a whopping N1.3tn of Delta state’s funds.
“Since the news went viral, I have waited patiently for an official statement from the EFCC on the detention of the former governor. It is a given that the anti-graft agency usually makes public such high-profile arrest and detention to show that nobody is above the law.
“However, it is surprising that the EFCC has resorted to using “sources” over such a sensitive matter. As an anti-corruption crusader, I find it a little troubling that the agency is shying away from making its position known when former Governor Okowa honourably presented himself to the Office of the anti-graft agency in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
“Dr. Okowa ought to be commended for being unlike a former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, who has defied the EFCC, resisted every attempt to be arrested and arraigned. This trial by the media using proxies is untenable, vexatious and unfortunate.”
PUNCH
The decision was taken during plenary on Tuesday at the Assembly complex in Dutse, the state capital, as the party continues to deal with the fallout from recent primaries.
The action comes amid a wave of suspensions across Jigawa APC following the recently conducted primary election.
Several special advisers and special assistants have already been suspended statewide over alleged anti-party activities from state level down to local government level.
Maigari, who doubles as the councillor representing Auyo Ward, was suspended after the House considered a motion by the Majority Leader, Lawan Dansure.
The motion sought disciplinary action against the lawmaker for conduct deemed harmful to party cohesion.
Moving the motion during the Assembly’s plenary session on Tuesday, Dansure urged members to support the suspension.
He said the House must act to protect the integrity of the ruling party ahead of 2027.
According to him, the actions of the Speaker of Auyo Legislative Council are detrimental to the unity, stability, and progress of the All Progressives Congress in the state.
“His actions are detrimental to the unity, stability, and progress of the All Progressives Congress,” Dansure told the House.
He argued that anti-party conduct at the grassroots level could undermine APC’s performance in future elections.
He said the House could not fold its arms while party discipline was being tested.
“Hon. Haruna Maigari is hereby suspended as Speaker of Auyo Legislative Council over alleged anti-party activities,” Dangyatin announced during plenary.
The Speaker also said the House remains committed to party discipline at all levels of governance in the state.
Dangyatin then constituted an investigative committee to look into the matter and report back within two weeks.
“The committee is expected to establish facts and recommend further action based on its findings,” he said.
The Speaker also directed the suspended lawmaker to hand over all official documents in his possession to the Deputy Speaker of Auyo Legislative Council.
He said the handover must be done immediately to ensure continuity of council business.
Meanwhile, the House also received a formal notification from Governor Umar Namadi regarding an official trip.
“The governor is billed to attend a two-day West African Rice Investment Roundtable in Accra, Ghana,” the Speaker said during the plenary session of the Assembly.
Dangyatin, who explained that the governor’s foreign engagement will hold between June 2 and June 3, 2026, added that “the governor’s participation is aimed at attracting investment to Jigawa’s rice value chain.”
By Chinedu Sabastine
Mr. Samson Chukwu Nnamani has declared that he remains the authentic governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State ahead of the 2027 election.
Nnamani made this known on Friday during a press briefing held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Enugu.
Reacting to allegations that he was suspended from the party before the PDP governorship primary election, Nnamani dismissed the claim, questioning how a supposedly suspended aspirant could participate in the exercise and secure votes.
“The purported claim that I was suspended is very funny. If I was suspended as they claim, how can they attribute votes for me during their kangaroo primary,” Nnamani questioned.
Represented by his Media Director, Dr. Buchi Nnaji, the PDP chieftain said his authenticity derives from the present recognition of the Abdulrahman-led faction of the PDP by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), of which he is a member.
The clarification followed the emergence of multiple claimants to the PDP governorship ticket in Enugu State.
Nnamani insisted that the party was no longer factionalised following INEC’s recognition of the Abdulrahman-led PDP leadership, noting that the panel which declared him winner where sent from their headquaters, Abuja.
Nnamani expressed gratitude to PDP leaders and supporters whom he said turned out massively on Sunday, May 24, 2026, to elect him as the party’s governorship candidate.
He pledged to reposition Enugu State through infrastructure development, job creation and people-oriented policies.
“As the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Enugu State, I remain committed to the ideals of good governance, inclusive leadership, economic development, youth empowerment, quality education, improved healthcare and enhanced security for all residents,” he said.
He added that his aspiration was to build “a greater Enugu State where opportunities abound for every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation, religion or social status.”
According to him, his administration would prioritise infrastructure development, industrialisation, support for small businesses and welfare programmes aimed at improving the lives of the people.
“We shall also review and remove policies and practices that are truncating the wellbeing, economic survival and social advancement of the citizens,” he stated.
Nnamani further called on stakeholders, party faithful, youths, women, traditional rulers and the people of Enugu State to join hands in building “a united, peaceful and progressive state.”
“Together, we can achieve the Enugu of our dreams,” he added.
The Presidency has reacted following the circulation of an alleged WhatsApp voice note in which President Bola Tinubu reportedly claims he begged opposition figure Peter Obi to step down ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The reaction came on Wednesday from Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President.
Onanuga condemned the audio file, labeling it a fabrication and called for legal action against popular social media critic VeryDarkMan who shared it.
“This VDM needs to face the weight of the law for being the conveyor and disseminator of a fake audio of President Tinubu. This is a clear case of an egregious abuse of the social media platform.,” Onanuga tweeted.
In the viral video, VeryDarkMan used the alleged leaked audio to urge Nigerians to vote against President Tinubu’s reelection bid in the upcoming 2027 polls.
Recall that just days ago, on Saturday, May 23, 2026, President Tinubu secured the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a landslide nationwide direct primary election.
During that contest, Tinubu faced a lone challenger, Edo State businessman and APC chieftain Stanley Osifo. The President won with 10,999,162 votes from the 12,643,306 registered party members, while Osifo secured 16,503 votes.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi, who finished third in the 2023 election, is widely expected to fly the flag for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). Both Obi and Tinubu hail from the southern region of Nigeria and are set to face last year’s runner-up, Atiku Abubakar, who is expected to lead the ticket for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in Ebonyi State, Ifeanyichukwuma Odii, has accused Governor Francis Nwifuru of running the state like a personal family business.
Odii made the remark shortly after emerging as the PDP governorship candidate for the 2027 election following the party’s primary election conducted across the 13 local government areas of the state.
Speaking to party supporters in Abakaliki, Odii said the 2027 election would be about rescuing Ebonyi from poor governance and restoring economic growth and public welfare.
“Ebonyi can never be consumed. Ebonyi can never be conquered. Ebonyi can never become a personal family business, and we are here for the rescue of our dear state,” he stated.
The PDP flag bearer pledged to improve the welfare of civil servants and teachers while promising policies aimed at reviving the state’s economy.
Odii also dismissed fears over political opposition ahead of the election, insisting that his focus remained the development and progress of Ebonyi State.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
The trio of Sen Stella Odua, Chief Dozie Nwankwo, Chief Chinedu Obidigwe among others emerged winners of the All Progressives Grand Alliance( APGA) primary elections in Anambra state.
Odua emerged as Senatorial candidate for Anambra North District, Dozie Nwankwo was nominated as candidate for Anambra Central District while Chinedu Obidigwe won the nomination for Anambra East and West Federal Constituency
Similarly Chief Emma Nwachukwu, Chief Paschal Agbodike, Mrs Mourine Gwacham were returned by the party members for the second term as candidates of the party for Anambra South District , Oyi -Ayamelum as well as Ihiala Federal Constituencies.
In a joint press briefing of the National Assembly and State Assembly Committees Mr Agunzi Victor (SAN) , described the exercise as transparent, peaceful and seemless adding that both the winners and aspirants who did not win appreciated the peaceful process.
Both Committees lauded the National leadership for creating a conducive environment for them to discharge their duties .
‘We will have to specifically commend the National leadership of our party and the Governor of Anambra state who is the National leader of our great party for providing the conducive atmosphere and also making the entire exercise free and credible devoid of any interference ”
“He has indeed demonstrated that he is a true democrat and we commend him for that and we hope that other leaders would emulate his attitude”
“He allowed us the member of the Committees to carry out the process that the winners of the primary elections reflect the wished of the members of the party”
In the case of Awka North and South Federal Constituency the committee had reasons to reschedule seven ward elections two in Awka North and five in Awka South local government areas as well as Dunukofia Njikoka Anaocha Federal Constituency.
“We have reasons to reschedule the supplementary primary elections across some wards within the state”
“We had supplementary elections in some wards in the Anaocha -Dunukofia – Njikoka Fed Constituency and Chinedu Oli was nominated ”
“We had another one within Awka North and South we had reason to hold supplementary elections within Awka North and South which led to the nomination of Chief Obi Nwankwo”
“Two in Awka North and five in Awka South”
“,In the case of Awka North and South Federal Constituency there is a provision in our party guideline they after the completion of the election there are places that election could not hold due to one reason or the other, we are to reschedule the another supplement election. so as to determine the winner within that Constituency”
“In this case the margin of wining after the first primary election of 23rd was quite lesser than the number of registered members within these seven wards ”
“Because the margin we had was about 200 votes but registered members of the party that did not vote is over 4,000 in those wards ”
“Proceeding with the results will amount to denying them the right to vote and the All Progressives Grand Alliance is determined to ensure that no member of our party is disenfranchised “he said.
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