EFCC invitation: I have nothing to hide —Okowa.

Former Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has affirmed he has nothing to conceal about his eight-year administration following an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).Okowa stated that the commotion surrounding his visit to the EFCC’s office was a calculated move by unnamed political figures in Delta State ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to a statement by Olisa Ifeajika, Chief Press Secretary to the former governor, many decisions taken by Okowa during his tenure are already driving economic progress in the state.He explained that his visit to the EFCC’s office in Port Harcourt after returning from vacation was meant to show transparency regarding his time as governor.Okowa dismissed the claim of misappropriating N1.3 trillion, emphasizing that it was implausible to embezzle such an amount during his two terms in office.Okowa, who was also the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election, criticized some media outlets for sensational and distorted reporting, with few exceptions.Part of the statement read: “It must be stated that the EFCC has not established any case against Dr. Okowa.

As is standard practice, the former governor was invited to address some petitions filed by certain dissatisfied parties.“Upon his return from vacation, Dr. Okowa, with a clear conscience, reported to the EFCC office in Port Harcourt as requested. The petitions alleged he misused state funds to gain an 80 percent stake in Premium Trust Bank and used public resources to build housing estates and hotels in Asaba and Abuja. However, Dr. Okowa refuted these claims, stating that the Abuja estate is owned by a known public figure, while the Asaba estate is shared with other residents who own their homes.“

He added that the hotels in Asaba are owned by individuals known to the public and the EFCC, while he holds no financial interest in Premium Trust Bank. These facts can be verified with the Corporate Affairs Commission and through the Freedom of Information Act.Okowa highlighted that the state’s audited financial reports during his tenure showed total revenue of N2.65 trillion, with N628.5 billion spent on salaries, N141.22 billion on pensions and related benefits, and N489.83 billion on overhead and consolidated revenue charges, among other expenditures.

The statement also detailed his achievements, including the construction of over 2,000 kilometers of roads and 1,400 kilometers of drains, the establishment of three new universities, six technical colleges, and successful youth entrepreneurship programs that empowered thousands of youths to become entrepreneurs.The statement noted that Delta State was recognized as the best in Human Capital Development in a 2017 peer review by the National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria, and that peace and security were maintained during Okowa’s administration.Addressing the allegation that the state’s investment in the first Floating Liquefied Natural Gas project with UTM, a private company, was a sham, Okowa described the claim as baseless, pointing out that the Delta State Executive Council and House of Assembly approved the N42.05 billion equity purchase.

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This investment has since appreciated to N190.85 billion, showcasing the administration’s foresight.Okowa reiterated that he governed with transparency, fiscal responsibility, and effective resource management, evidenced by multiple World Bank awards for fiscal transparency, public expenditure efficiency, and debt sustainability.