Former Chief Press Secretary to ex-Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, has refuted allegations of corruption and calls for the arrest of the former governor, describing them as malicious, unfounded and politically motivated.
Ifeajika was reacting to comments made on national television by Mr Ofochi Atagana, who claimed to be the president of a group, known as the Coalition of Delta North Youths.
Atagana had alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had concluded investigations into a petition against Okowa, indicted him, and should therefore, proceed to re-arrest and prosecute him.
Speaking at a press conference in Asaba on Tuesday, Ifeajika dismissed the claims and the credibility of the group Atagana purportedly represents, noting that the recognized umbrella youth body in Delta North is the College of Delta North Youths.
He clarified that contrary to claims circulating on social media, Okowa was never arrested by the EFCC.
According to him, the former governor was on vacation outside the country in 2024, when the EFCC invited him, and on returning back to the country, voluntarily honoured the invitation.
“He was not arrested and he was not detained. The only night he spent there was to enable him respond fully to the allegations contained in the petition against him. After providing the needed information, he returned to Asaba,” Ifeajika said.
The former media aide further stated that Okowa had remained accessible and open to investigations, stressing that the former governor continued to reside among the people in Delta State, not running outside the state or country as it was often the case with former leaders.
On the allegation of a missing ₦1.3 trillion, Ifeajika maintained that no such funds were unaccounted for, noting that a detailed breakdown of the state’s finances under Okowa’s administration had already been made public nearly two years ago.
“We clearly stated that a total of ₦2.65 trillion accrued to the state within the eight years, and provided a comprehensive account of how the funds were utilized. Till date, no one has come forward to dispute those figures,” he said.
He argued that if the EFCC had found any wrongdoing, the agency would have proceeded to charge Okowa to court, adding that the absence of such action indicates that no case has been established or investigation still ongoing.
Ifeajika also dismissed claims that Okowa defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to evade investigation, clarifying that the political move was a collective decision by party stakeholders in Delta State, following consultations and concerns over internal instability within the PDP, signaling an implosion in the party.
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Addressing Atagana’s criticisms of the state’s healthcare system under Okowa, Ifeajika described the allegations as misleading, highlighting the former governor’s contributions to health sector reforms, including the domestication of the National Health Act and expansion of access to healthcare through insurance schemes and free medical services for vulnerable groups.
He also defended the viability of the Kwale Industrial Park, which he said was operational and hosts multiple functioning industries, contrary to claims that it is a failed project.
Describing Atagana’s statements as “media thuggery,” Ifeajika accused him of being sponsored to spread misinformation with intent to manipulate public opinion.
“It is not right to go on national television to declare someone guilty without due process. If there are concerns about the EFCC’s handling of any matter, the appropriate action is to engage the agency, not resort to baseless accusations, acting the script of his sponsors,” he said.
He concluded by urging the public to disregard what he described as politically-motivated distractions, reiterating that Okowa remains committed to accountability and was willing to cooperate with any legitimate investigation.
