The arrest and detention of Ifeanyi Okowa, former Governor of Delta State, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the alleged misappropriation of N1.3 trillion from the Delta State treasury is shocking yet not entirely surprising. This staggering amount, which represents 13% of the derivation funds allocated to Delta State from the federation account between 2015 and 2023, was intended to benefit the people of the state.
Okowa is accused of diverting these funds for personal gain, including the acquisition of properties in Abuja and Asaba, which has breached public trust during his governorship. Additionally, the questionable investment of N40 billion in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas, allegedly redirected for unrelated purposes, further complicates Okowa’s alleged misdeeds.
These revelations are especially disheartening given Okowa’s history of neglecting to pay civil servants and pensioners while accumulating significant debt. His record of achievements in office is a disappointment, highlighting a dismal legacy.
Okowa’s alleged financial crimes underscore the pervasive corruption, lack of transparency, impunity, and executive lawlessness associated with the PDP administration in Delta State. These issues have compounded the struggles faced by everyday people in the region. It is unacceptable for those in power to prioritize personal gain over the welfare of the citizens they are supposed to serve.
The EFCC’s investigation and arrest of Okowa are crucial steps toward ensuring accountability and justice. We commend the EFCC’s efforts and urge them to conduct a thorough investigation to recover the missing funds and prosecute the perpetrators.
Delta State’s widespread poverty and underdevelopment are rooted in monumental corruption and the theft of state resources. The chronic lack of basic social services, infrastructure, and economic opportunities contradicts the immense federal allocations received. While Okowa and his associates allegedly looted the state’s treasury, the good people of Delta State have been left to live in squalor and extreme poverty.
The poverty experienced in the state’s oil-rich regions is exacerbated by unaddressed pollution, ecological damage, and the effects of climate change. Oil-producing communities in Urhobo, Itsekiri, Ijaw, Isoko, and Ndokwa continue to suffer from neglect and misery due to corruption and poor governance.
The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), established to facilitate development, has failed to fulfill its mandate and has dashed hopes for sustained intervention in promoting development in those areas.
The lack of visible progress under Governor Oborevwori’s administration is concerning and suggests a bleak future for Deltans, especially in light of the alleged misappropriation of significant funds flowing into the state’s coffers. Between June 2023 and July 2024, Delta State received N239.6 billion as a 13% derivation. Unfortunately, there are clear indicators that Governor Oborevwori’s performance may surpass Okowa’s in terms of poor governance and alleged theft of state resources.
As Speaker of the Delta State Assembly from June 2017 to May 2023, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had a responsibility to protect the state’s resources; however, he failed to do so. Now, as governor, he has a solemn duty to cooperate with federal investigators to recover the allegedly looted funds and hold Okowa and his collaborators accountable. It is essential to implement measures to prevent such corruption in the future.
The New Delta Coalition strongly condemns Okowa’s alleged financial crimes. We call for a thorough and transparent investigation and prosecution of those responsible. Deltans deserve to be served with the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and effective governance. We will continue to advocate for their rights with the sole aim of Building A New Delta.
