APC Reacts As EFCC Arrest Okowa

The Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the recent arrest and detention of former Delta Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa. The party described the move as “a positive step in Nigeria’s ongoing fight 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.

In a statement signed by Delta APC State Publicity Secretary Valentine Onojeghuo and released to journalists in Warri on Tuesday, it was disclosed that former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who served from 2015 to 2023, was arrested and detained by EFCC operatives on Monday.

Okowa’s detention is connected to an alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion in derivation funds from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.

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Reports indicate that the former governor was at the EFCC office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, following an invitation related to these allegations, when he was subsequently detained and charged over suspected financial misconduct involving state funds and questionable contract awards during his tenure.

In its statement, the party commended the Federal Government’s decisive actions and urged the EFCC to extend its investigations to include 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”.

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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.”