I’m Not Afraid of EFCC Investigation, Boasts Okowa’ as N1.3trn Fraud Allegations Festers

Former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has stated that he is not afraid of the ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged financial impropriety totaling N1.3 trillion during his eight-year tenure as governor.

Speaking in a recent interview with Arise News, Okowa defended his administration’s record, asserting that he served the people of Delta State diligently.

He downplayed the weight of the allegations, noting that petitions can be written by anyone, but only the EFCC has the authority to investigate and establish the truth.

“I did well for the people of the state. Petitions can be written by anybody, but whatever petitions are written, the right of investigation is with the EFCC. So, there are no fears concerning that at all,” he said.

Okowa, who was the vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections, is being probed not only for the alleged N1.3 trillion diversion but also for a separate N40 billion transaction tied to the acquisition of an eight percent equity stake in the UTM Floating LNG project. Reports further allege that public funds were used to purchase shares in a major Nigerian bank as part of the deal.

The EFCC arrested the former governor in November 2024, but he was later granted bail after surrendering his international passport. Since then, Okowa has consistently denied all allegations, describing them as politically motivated and rooted in malice.

In a political twist, Okowa recently defected from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), along with Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and several key state officials. The move has sparked speculation about possible political bargaining aimed at easing pressure from the anti-corruption agency. However, no formal link has been established between the defection and the EFCC investigation.

Reflecting on his role in the 2023 presidential race, Okowa admitted he now regrets accepting the PDP’s nomination as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate. He acknowledged that many in the South opposed another northern presidency and suggested he should have followed the sentiment of his constituents instead.

“Even when we were campaigning, I realised our people were not interested in having another northerner come into power. But the decision had already been taken by the party,” he said.

Despite the controversy surrounding his nomination, Okowa praised Delta residents for standing by him and the PDP during the state elections, citing it as proof of their confidence in his leadership.

Hinting at deeper discontent within the PDP, Okowa revealed that he had shared his concerns with Atiku Abubakar and suggested that both men may soon sever ties with the party.

“I communicated to him that we were going to hold a leadership meeting to determine our next steps. I also know that he is already heading out of the PDP from the communications he has passed on to me,” he disclosed.

Okowa, a long-time member of the PDP since 1999, has held several key positions in Delta State, including commissioner roles, Secretary to the State Government, senator, and eventually governor. His recent defection marks a significant shift in his political journey, and his ongoing battle with the EFCC remains a story to watch.”