The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the arrest of immediate former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa on allegations of misappropriating N1.3 trillion in oil derivation funds. HEDA, an anti-corruption civil society organization, expressed strong support for the EFCC’s actions, calling this a pivotal move toward greater accountability for the people of Delta State and other Niger communities deprived of benefits of God given natural resources.
The EFCC’s preliminary investigations implicate Mr. Okowa, the 2023 vice-presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, in allegedly using his office to amass vast assets, including substantial shares in the oil sector, notably in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Company. This misappropriation by a public officer entrusted with resources of the people in the face of poverty, insecurity, deprivation, pollution and deaths is not only callous, but wicked, and the EFCC is charged to ensure the recovery of every Kobo misappropriated by Mr. Okowa and his enablers and proceed used for the benefit of victims of his corrupt activities.
In a statement signed by HEDA Chairman Olanrewaju Suraju, the organization urged the EFCC to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation, noting that “if Mr. Okowa is found culpable, it is essential that the law is enforced fully to send a clear message that public office is a trust, not an avenue for personal enrichment.”
The group further highlighted the detrimental impact of corruption on national development, underscoring the need to protect public resources intended for the country’s advancement, infrastructural development and human empowerment.
“We hope this case reinforces that no individual is above the law,” Suraju stated, emphasizing that such investigations are vital to strengthening Nigeria’s resolve to eradicate corruption across all sectors.
The organization further demanded immediate holistic action from the government in curbing the collusion and enabling of Bureau De Change in the country in assisting governors to launder illicit funds through conversion of provision of foreign currencies for their proceeds of crimes. The actions of these Bureau de Change are not only economic sabotage, but act of criminality that is directly responsible for the failing value of the Naira and increasing cost of living.
