The Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rolled out the welcome mat for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following the arrest of former Delta Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.
They’re calling it a “positive step in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against corruption.” Apparently, they believe this high-profile detention signifies a commitment to tackling financial mismanagement, both at the state and federal levels, but let’s unpack that.
In a statement crafted by Delta APC State Publicity Secretary Valentine Onojeghuo, shared with journalists in Warri, the party praised the EFCC for finally taking action. Okowa, who held the governorship from 2015 to 2023, was snagged by EFCC operatives on Monday. The alleged crime? The diversion of a whopping N1.3 trillion in derivation funds.
According to the APC, Okowa’s arrest is not just a personal matter; it’s a shining example of the administration’s determination to put a stop to corruption and ensure public funds serve the people instead of fattening personal coffers.
This sentiment might sound noble, but one can’t help but wonder why this kind of fervor wasn’t evident when the alleged corruption was actually happening. It raises a troubling question about how deep the commitment really goes when there are other former governors and public officials with just as much mud on their shoes, yet they remain untouched.
Reports indicate that Okowa was in the EFCC office in Port Harcourt when investigators decided to put the cuffs on him, slapping him with charges of financial misconduct tied to state funds and questionable contracts. Meanwhile, the APC couldn’t resist taking a dig at Okowa’s legacy, calling his time in office a “concerning case of financial mismanagement.” They went on to assert that he funneled significant state resources into personal projects, which included setting up a bank and attempting to finance a failed presidential ambition
The party has urged the EFCC to keep digging into the financial dealings of other former officials, suggesting that Okowa’s arrest should send a message that no one is above the law. They say this marks the end of an era of impunity, which is a bold statement considering the EFCC’s long-standing reputation for half-hearted investigations.
The “Borrow Borrow Governor,” as they have nicknamed Okowa, allegedly ran up a high debt profile while the state itself has very little to show for the massive federal allocations it received during his administration. The substandard roads he built, which he was once proud of, are now deteriorating faster than a viral social media trend.
Now, let’s take a moment to examine the EFCC’s track record. Despite all the whistleblowing, they have not exactly been a bastion of effective enforcement. Look at the case of Yahaya Bello, mountains of evidence piled up, yet where is the action?
And then there’s Betta Edu—also surrounded by controversy but seemingly untouched by the EFCC’s grasp. It asks the question: Is the EFCC more interested in making noise than actually achieving justice? Will Okowa be another name on the list of those who slip through the cracks? One can only hope that this time, the agency actually follows through rather than simply waving a flag and calling it a day
