The Delta State Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum has blamed opposition parties and mischief-makers in the state afraid of the rising profile of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, for being behind his current travails with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Speaking during a solidarity visit to the former governor at his Asaba residence, the group’s spokesman, Comrade Ovie Umuakpo, said that the media trial of Okowa was because of the politics of 2027.
Umuakpo commended the former governor for his achievements during his tenure and pledged that the group would remain loyal and committed to his leadership.
He said: “Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders have come here in solidarity with you because of what we recently read in the news that was widely circulated by the opposition. We want to state categorically that the opposition are afraid of your towering personality across the nation, and they are only afraid of 2027.
“They are afraid that if they leave Okowa, the chief strategist untamed, they will have problems in 2027 because of the way and manner they have mismanaged Nigeria’s economy.
“They are also worried about how they have bastardised their relationship with the north, and they are doing everything to harvest as many votes as possible by bringing down opposition figures to boost their base in the south ahead 2027.
“You are a big tree that has produced other trees that provide a shield to many persons, so, cutting down such a tree will be a very difficult task in Nigeria’s politics of today. We are here to tell you that we heard what happened and are here to reassure you that we remain with you through thick and thin.
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“We know that what is happening is an attempt to witch-hunt you, to weaken our strength ahead of 2027, but unfortunately for them, it has bolstered our chances and we will win again in 2027, with you leading the charge. As a group, we remain committed and loyal to you because you did well in office.”
Responding, Okowa thanked the youth leaders for their support throughout his tenure and for also supporting the Oborevwori administration.
He stated that he was not bothered about the media trial because he did nothing wrong, explaining that he was not worried “because I am a politician and every politician must develop thick skin.
“You are only afraid when you have done something wrong, so there is no cause to fear. The EFCC has a right to investigate following due process, and I have nothing to fear concerning such investigations.
“The fact is that some persons who are unkind to themselves and unkind to Delta State have decided to write the petition and engage my media trial. I would have been happier if they had been more reasonable with the lies, they told. They told lies on issues and situations that are not practicable.”