- He clarified that the EFCC’s invitation was related to petitions filed by certain individuals
Former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has denied that his recent invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is linked to the alleged diversion of 13 percent oil derivation funds.
In a statement on Monday, Okowa’s media aide, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, dismissed the claims of N1.3 trillion fund diversion as “ludicrous and outlandish.” He described the accusations as part of a smear campaign by individuals seeking to tarnish Okowa’s reputation, calling them “spurious allegations” that emerged during his tenure.
Ifeajika argued that the scale of the alleged diversion, which amounts to N16 billion per month over eight years, would have left the state unable to pay salaries or complete projects. He added that reports in the media lacked factual accuracy and were aimed at misleading the public.
He clarified that the EFCC’s invitation was related to petitions filed by certain individuals alleging Okowa’s involvement in acquiring a stake in Premium Trust Bank and misusing state funds for personal projects. Okowa, he said, had voluntarily presented himself to the EFCC for questioning after returning from vacation.
No case has been established against Okowa by the EFCC, Ifeajika concluded.