By Austin Ogwuda
Following the arrest of the immediate governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Monday, some key government officials who served under him have gone underground for fear of arrest.
Okowa, presently in the custody of the anti graft agency who was finally arrested after hide and seek game for months, is being quizzed over alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion.
The N1.3 trillion reportedly represents the 13% derivation fund from the Federation Account between 2015 and 2023.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrest but declined further comments on the matter.
Gov Sheriff Oborevwori breaks silence?
In a swift reaction, the Director General, Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, who has persistently defended government’s actions and positions in the media called for prayers.
Although, he didn’t mention whether he was speaking on behalf of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori who is a political godson of Okowa or not but political watchers would note that the governor had never disowned any press statement dished out by outspoken Latimore.
Incidentally also, Dr Oghenesivbe Latimore was Okowa’s Executive Assistant on Communications from 2017 to May 29, 2023.
He issued a statement on Monday night saying, “the news of former governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa’s arrest by EFCC is trending on social media platforms based on reports by a section of the traditional media.
“There is no cause for alarm. It’s 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 if the need arises. It’s important for us to keep our fingers crossed.
“I urge Deltans to pray for Senator Okowa at this trying time”, he added.
Recall that vociferous Elderstatesman and Leader of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark had sent several petitions to the EFCC accusing the ex-governor Okowa of alleged misappropriation of over N1 trillion.
Clark alleged that the former governor used funds belonging to the State for his political campaign.
The respected PANDEF leader said the law establishing the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) noted that 50 per cent of the 13 per cent should be given to the DESOPADEC.
However, Okowa held the whole funds.
Clark stated that “DESOPADEC is an interventionist agency established to manage a 13 per cent oil derivation fund to drive infrastructural development of the oil-producing communities in the State.
“Instead of paying 50 per cent (of the N1.760 trillion) to the DESOPADEC as provided by the law, which is automatic, he (Okowa) held the 13 per cent fund- the entire money, dishing out instalment and approving every contract the DESOPADEC had awarded”, the PANDEF leader alleged.
