Okowa Faces Renewed Scrutiny As Deltans Decry EFCC’s ‘Worrying Silence’

FRESH pressure is mounting on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to reopen investigations into the alleged diversion of ₦1.3 trillion in oil derivation funds by former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.

In an open letter made public on Monday, oil-bearing communities accused the anti-graft agency of “sleeping on duty” after arresting and releasing the ex-governor in 2024 without any further updates on the probe.

The letter, signed by Comrade Mulade Sheriff, PhD on behalf of representatives of the Ijaw, Itsekiri, Ndokwa, Urhobo, and Isoko ethnic nationalities, described the situation as “a betrayal of the trust of Delta’s oil-producing communities.”

“The world is watching,” the signatories warned. “Funds meant for the development of our communities have been misappropriated.

“The EFCC must show that it is not a barking dog without teeth.”

The group alleged that Okowa had manipulated the DESOPADEC law in 2018 to favour his community and siphon funds through a holding account.

“They also suggested political interference could be shielding him from justice.

They further queried: “Is it because the sitting governor has joined the APC that the EFCC has compromised or halted its investigations?”

The petitioners reminded the Commission that “justice delayed is justice denied” and appealed to its leadership to emulate the transparency of former EFCC boss Nuhu Ribadu.

Chief Mulade concluded: “A stitch in time, they say, saves nine. The EFCC must act now before public confidence is completely eroded.”