The Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has
supported Okowa's detention, calling it a "positive step" in
Nigeria’s fight against corruption. The former governor reportedly responded to
an EFCC invitation on Monday but was detained as investigators continue probing
the allegations against him.
Sources close to the investigation told Punch that Okowa is also accused
of failing to account for an additional N40 billion purportedly invested in UTM
Floating Liquefied Natural Gas shares, as well as purchasing equity in a major
Nigerian bank, allegedly using public funds. Investigators are reportedly
examining his use of state resources for personal ventures, including real
estate acquisitions in Abuja and Asaba, Delta State.
A source within the EFCC revealed that the ex-governor has been
presented with several allegations and remains in custody due to the “quantum
of the allegations and the amounts involved.” Investigators intend to keep
Okowa detained until he responds to the charges.
The Delta State APC released a statement on Tuesday, November 5,
welcoming Okowa’s arrest. APC State Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo,
stated that the former governor’s tenure was marked by significant financial
mismanagement, including "reckless borrowing," allegedly leaving
Delta State with a high debt profile and minimal infrastructure development.
“The arrest of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa serves as a warning to all public
officials that the era of impunity is over,” the statement read. "No one,
regardless of political affiliation, is above the law."
The APC accused Okowa’s administration of diverting state resources into
personal projects, allegedly establishing a bank, financing political
ambitions, and supporting a controversial succession plan. Known by some as the
"Borrow Borrow Governor," Okowa has faced criticism for his
administration’s debt accumulation and poorly maintained infrastructure
projects.
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