Secretary to the State Government of Delta State, Dr. Kingsley Emu has categorically dismissed allegations of financial mismanagement against former Delta governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, describing them as unfounded and politically motivated.
In an interview with Arise News on Tuesday, Emu described the allegations against former governor Ifeanyi Okowa as politically motivated, asserting that they are designed to tarnish his reputation ahead of the 2027 elections. He said,
“From the allegations on expenditure and the projects that most of these resources were tied to, its obvious its political. Because diversion could come in different ways, but to say that they were taken totally and completely to build private estates and for personal gains is one wrong assertion. Those are frivolous allegations. They are strictly political, they are targeted at 2027 and targeted at impugning the personality of Okowa.”
Highlighting Okowa’s impeccable character and grassroots connection, Emu argued that the former governor’s legacy is being targeted by political opponents.
“Okowa’s character is impeccable, that is the target. Okowa has a good history, a good record, and a good reputation country-wide,” he said.
Emu urged those making accusations to pursue their grievances in court, emphasising that Okowa’s eight years of service, marked by substantial developmental projects, have laid a solid foundation for Delta State’s progress.
The Secretary to the State Government of Delta State also addressed claims of a political agenda against Okowa, suggesting that unnamed detractors are behind the accusations.
“They are unknown political jobbers; they are faceless, using cheap propagandists to do the job. Senator Okowa has been to EFCC, and EFCC has the right to do every iota of interrogation,” Emu noted.
He added that Okowa’s administration received accolades for fiscal transparency and accountability, including World Bank awards under the SFTAS programme.
Addressing concerns about contracts awarded through the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Emu said all appropriations were done transparently.
“DESOPADEC is a well-structured organisation. Those appropriations are right. If you go to oil-producing areas, you will see major road constructions and bridges,” he explained.
Responding to allegations of misappropriating ₦1.3 trillion in derivation funds and other financial irregularities, Emu stated, “Most of, if not all, of those allegations are pretty spurious. We can’t even be talking about ₦1.3 trillion when the total receipt was about ₦2.65 trillion. So you’re talking about 50 percent of it diverted—that is not possible.”
Emu highlighted Okowa’s achievements, including the construction of over 2,000 kilometres of roads, the establishment of three universities, and creating over 15,000 entrepreneurs. He emphasised that these projects are visible and verifiable.
“EFCC have been writing letters to inspect and verify some of the projects that most of these alleged funds were attached to. I dare say that they have been very satisfactory because they are physical projects; you can feel them and you can see them,” he said.
Regarding reports that some officials who served under Okowa went into hiding following the allegations, Emu refuted the claims, saying, “That is very strange. I served under him… EFCC has not declared anybody wanted. If EFCC carries on a major investigation of this nature, which has been on for over four years, EFCC should have declared some of them wanted.”
On Okowa’s reaction to the ongoing investigations, Emu described the former governor as confident and resilient.
“Senator Okowa is very strong and confident because he knows, and the world knows, the discerning people know, that 80, 90, if not all, 100 percent of those allegations are lies,” he said.
Emu expressed confidence that the EFCC’s ongoing investigations would reveal the truth and clear Okowa’s name.
“It’s just a matter of time, and this will pass,” he concluded.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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