How can someone claim I misappropriated 1.3 trillion naira? – Former Delta Governor, Okowa
….Urge EFCC to Prosecute Authors of Frivolous Petitions
Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, CON, the immediate past Governor of Delta State, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to prosecute those who write frivolous petitions.
Okowa made the call on Wednesday in Asaba when the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, led a delegation from the Delta North Senatorial District, representing the Anioma people, to pay him a solidarity visit.
Sen. Okowa suggested that the EFCC should take action against individuals who submit frivolous petitions, prosecuting them upon determination of frivolity.
He stated that the majority of the allegations leveled against him before the EFCC were baseless and thanked the people of Anioma for their solidarity visit.
He said, “I want to say that the petitions against me before the EFCC are frivolous, and those involved should also be investigated. If they are found wanting, the EFCC should charge them to court.”
Sen. Okowa thanked the people of Delta North for the visit, stating, “I am very happy and elated to see you here today; since the unfortunate incident about two weeks ago, I have received many visitors, but this visit is particularly special to me.”
“I have received key visitors here, including leaders of the Urhobo Progressive Union, UPU, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, CAN, and others, who came to show solidarity; unfortunately, some people criticized the UPU for visiting me.”
“That indicates that there are certain individuals behind the problem; the traditional rulers council of this state led by the Orodje of Okpe has come to visit me.
“This is my family, and as a politician, what you have done today has given me peace of mind.
“I have stated that I am not afraid to be probed or investigated. I may not be a saint, but I know that I entered Government House as a governor with the full hope and desire to work with the people, to give the best to ourselves and the state within the limit of our resources to achieve the best we could achieve in very difficult circumstances in the state for eight years.”
“I still recall that we experienced a very challenging period during the first two and a half years, from May 29, 2015 to the end of September, 2017, where the entire resources of the state were insufficient to pay workers’ salaries.”
“We had to undertake negotiations and reach a consensus agreement that workers would be paid half salaries for two and a half years, but providentially, after the stipulated period, we commenced paying full salaries and liquidating the backlog of pension arrears.
“We had over a hundred billion arrears of pension and I want to inform you that I am not intimidated by media trial or investigation.
“I consider the petition against me to be utterly frivolous; how can someone allege that I misappropriated 1.3 trillion naira? This suggests a monthly misappropriation of 16 billion naira, an allegation that some people mistakenly believe.
“The salaries, pension arrears, loans we took and paid, including the ones we met and paid, involved a substantial amount of money.
“The EFCC is empowered to investigate any individual, and I do not object to their performance of this function; I wish to assure you that I am not troubled, and I continue to enjoy peace of mind, with your visit providing additional reassurance.
“I would like to express my gratitude for this demonstration of affection, and may God continue to bestow blessings upon you.”
The Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, informed Sen. Okowa that the people of Delta North are solidly behind him.
Onyeme said the former Governor transformed the state, stating, “We, the entire leadership of the Anioma people, are here to see you because we are all aware of recent events surrounding you, and we felt that we should let you know that we are very proud of you.”
“Your administration has, in numerous ways, ensured the balanced development of our state.
“Having spent over thirty years in Asaba, most of us possess a deep understanding of the contrast between the Asaba of the past and the Asaba of the present; we are aware of the advancements that took place in Asaba during your time in office.
“Collectively, we can proudly travel to any part of Nigeria; when assessing the civil service, we can confidently assert that our state secretariat is the best, and our youths are currently in a better position.
“We hold you in high esteem and we are unwavering in our commitment to you and we will provide you with our unrelenting support.
“We state that we are solidly behind you, hence, we have come to pledge our resolute solidarity to you.”
Sir Benjamin Elue, the former Deputy Governor of Delta State, lamented that those who rendered selfless service to the people were frequently persecuted by the very individuals they served.
While praying for Sen. Okowa, he assured him of the unrelenting support of the people of Anioma regardless of the circumstances.
At the event, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, the immediate past Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, moved a motion for a vote of confidence to be passed on Sen. Okowa by the people of Anioma, which was seconded by Hon. Charles Emetulu, the member representing Ndokwa West Constituency at the House of Assembly, and supported by all in attendance.
The delegation that paid the visit comprised Chief Godwill Obielum, Chief Chris Agbobu, Chief Nkem Okwuofu, and other distinguished individuals.
