By Austin Ogwuda
…plea bargain option, however not ruled out if need be
Immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has flatly denied allegations making the rounds to the effect that he refunded over ₦500 billion to the Delta State as part of plea bargain in connection with his case before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Reacting to the allegation through his former Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Mr. Olise Ifeajika, Okowa said, “It is not true that my boss, Okowa, returned such money. The EFCC is at liberty to do its job.
“He (Okowa) was invited and shown documents, and he responded accordingly. The EFCC has been visiting Delta State and inviting people for questioning. We believe the investigation is still ongoing.
…plea bargain option not ruled out if need be
“Only when it is concluded and a case is established”, he went on, “can issues of refunds or prosecution arise.
“There is no truth to claims of returning money to the Delta State Government or the EFCC”, he reiterated.
Recall that operatives of EFCC arrested Mrs. Joy Enwa, the former Accountant General of Delta State late last year as part of their ongoing investigation into the alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion during Okowa’s administration.
The petition filed before the Commission is alleging that Okowa misappropriated the funds believed to be part of the 13 percent derivation fund allocated to oil-producing States.
Speculations became rife following the recent defection of Okowa along with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori interpreted in some quarters as a leeway for him (Okowa) to get soft landing over the EFCC case presently hanging on his neck.
*Source: Punch
