Ahead of the arraignment of the former governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, for alleged N1.3trillion fraud, a Niger Delta activist, Mr Iteveh Nur’ Ekpokpobe, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to ensure that due process is followed in the investigation and arraignment processes.
Recall that Okowa was quizzed by the operatives of the EFCC in Port Harcourt last week for explanation concerning the spending of N1.3trillion Delta State derivation funds while he was governor.
An EFCC source confided in our correspondent that, barring any last-minute changes, Okowa will likely be arraigned next week.
Speaking in Abuja, Iteveh stated that beyond every accusation which are yet proven, “it is a matter of concern to the people of Delta State and the region, how our leaders are treated in the socio-political equation of Nigeria.”
He said media trials had become an obsolete approach in addressing corruption allegations, especially since the accused has shown all willingness to avail himself on the invitation.
According to him, “Many governors in Nigeria have been on EFCC radar since this dispensation. Some have invaded arrests, others have shown blatant disdain for due process in their graft investigation. Media trial is not the encouragement you give to those who have shown willingness for the due process.
“As a stakeholder from the Niger Delta region and as a Deltan, I dare say that the region is not comfortable with the perpetual vilification of our leaders at every turn. We cannot not allow for every ex-governor from Delta State and the region to be cloaked with infamy.
“It is on this note that I urge the EFCC and other antigraft agencies to treat our leaders with some dignity and not play to the gallery no matter the level of accusations. They are not guilty until competent courts and authorities say so. We will not support unlawful detentions and manipulations.”
Iteveh called on Niger Deltans to continue to support the leadership of the region and not destroy it, noting that “We are all we have. We must not continue to jubilate at the presumed downfall of our own. These leaders are the pillars of our society. Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has served Delta State within the limits of his capacity and the dynamics of the times. No matter what, we cannot undermine his sacrifice whichever way we choose to see it”.
