The Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended the recent arrest of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, calling it a positive move in the ongoing battle against corruption in Nigeria.
In a statement released shortly after the news broke, the APC expressed strong support for Okowa’s detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), seeing it as an important step in addressing allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption that have plagued both state and national governments.
Okowa, who served as Delta State’s governor from 2015 to 2023, was arrested over accusations of embezzling state funds and misappropriating public resources during his time in office. The charges reportedly involve questionable contracts and financial transactions that allegedly benefitted Okowa and his associates rather than the people of Delta State.
The statement, signed by the Delta APC Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo Esq., lauded the Federal Government’s decisive action, urging the EFCC to continue its investigation into the financial dealings of other past governors and public officials. The party emphasized that the arrest of Okowa represents the administration’s commitment to transparency, fighting corruption, and ensuring public funds are used to benefit citizens, not enrich individuals.
“We in the APC wholeheartedly welcome the news of the arrest of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, who presided over one of the worst cases of financial recklessness during his eight-year tenure,” the statement read. “His corrupt actions saw the diversion of enormous state resources for personal gain, including the establishment of a bank and funding his failed presidential campaign, as well as manipulating the political system to impose his preferred successor as governor.”
The party stressed that the arrest serves as a clear warning to all public officeholders, underlining that the era of impunity is over. “No one, regardless of their position or political affiliation, is above the law,” the APC declared.
The statement concluded by reaffirming the party’s commitment to the fight against corruption, expressing satisfaction with the current administration’s bold steps to hold public officials accountable for their actions. “The fight against corruption must be unwavering and thorough,” the APC said, “and we are glad to see this administration taking bold steps in this direction.”
