Kehinde Fajobi
Former Delta State governor Ifeanyi Okowa has clarified that his recent invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is unrelated to claims of diverting ₦1.3 trillion in oil derivation funds.
His media aide, Olisa Ifeajika, addressed the allegations in a statement on Monday, dismissing them as “ludicrous” and “outlandish.”
“The allegation that the former governor allegedly diverted N1.3 trillion oil derivation funds is as ludicrous as it is outlandish,” Ifeajika said.
“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.”
Ifeajika condemned those he described as “haters” who, he claimed, are exploiting Okowa’s EFCC invitation to spread “well-orchestrated propaganda” through the media.
“These people, including their puppets in the media, are bereft of commonsense. Otherwise, how can anybody in his right mind allege that N1.3 trillion was diverted for personal use? Are we to believe that Okowa’s administration did not pay salaries or execute a single project in eight years?”
The statement noted the practical impossibility of the alleged fund misappropriation, as it would mean diverting approximately ₦16 billion every month for eight years.
“The implication of such a scenario happening is that there will be no money to run the government or pay the salaries of the state’s almost 50,000 workforce. Prejudice is a terrible thing, and those caught in its web, often develop a warped sense of reasoning,” Ifeajika remarked.
He also criticised media reports, claiming they were sensationalised and misleading.
“Most of these reports are riddled with outright lies, wild conjectures, and unverifiable claims, with the unmistakable diabolical intent to beguile and incite the unsuspecting public against Dr. Okowa. But you cannot pull down him whom God has lifted.”
Ifeajika further asserted that the EFCC has not established any case against 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.”
According to the statement, Okowa was accused in these petitions of allegedly using state resources to acquire an 80% stake in Premium Trust Bank and to build properties in Asaba and Abuja.
“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 statement said.