EFCC Not Investigating Okowa Over Derivation Fund Misuse, Says Aide

The media aide to former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has dismissed reports suggesting his client’s recent visit to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was related to the alleged misappropriation of a 13 percent oil derivation fund. The aide, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, clarified in a statement on Monday that Okowa’s invitation had no connection to the alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion in state resources.

Ifeajika labeled the accusations as “outlandish and malicious,” claiming they recycle previously debunked allegations intended to tarnish the former governor’s reputation. “The notion that Okowa could divert N1.3 trillion, implying he withheld funds from salaries and state projects, defies logic and is simply ludicrous,” Ifeajika remarked, adding that such an amount would equate to N16 billion per month over eight years—a figure he argued would make it impossible to govern or sustain Delta’s workforce of nearly 50,000 employees.

Describing the media’s portrayal of Okowa’s EFCC visit, Ifeajika criticized the coverage as biased and sensationalized. According to him, “Most of the reports are riddled with conjecture, inaccuracies, and unverifiable claims intended to incite the public against Dr. Okowa.” He urged journalists to uphold “factual reporting, fairness, and balance,” suggesting that some writers have compromised professional ethics to attack the former governor’s character.

Ifeajika emphasized that the EFCC had not filed any formal charges against Okowa. “As is customary, Dr. Okowa was invited to respond to petitions filed by some disgruntled individuals. Upon his return from vacation, he willingly attended the EFCC’s Port Harcourt office to clear his name.”

The petitions reportedly accused Okowa of using state funds to secure an 80 percent stake in Premium Trust Bank and to fund real estate projects, including housing estates in Asaba and Abuja and two hotels. However, Ifeajika assured that Okowa, “a man with a clear conscience,” is confident in disproving these claims, which he called part of a futile campaign to damage Okowa’s legacy.

This latest wave of allegations, Ifeajika noted, follows a history of attacks on Okowa’s reputation that have repeatedly failed. “Those seeking to pull him down cannot succeed,” he concluded, reiterating his faith in the former governor’s integrity amidst the ongoing investigations.